changeadminUnder the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Indore is poised to achieve a major milestone with the launch of India’s first green waste processing plant, developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
In October 2014, the Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission, a transformational initiative driving behavioural change in the communities about waste management.
Seven years later, the government introduced the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) with the vision of ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation in cities and urban areas.
Indore, a central Indian city in Madhya Pradesh, known for its history, Rajwada Palace, food and bazaars is all set to make a significant leap towards environmental sustainability with the launch of India’s first PPP-model-based green waste processing plant under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to revolutionize the city’s waste management system by converting green waste into valuable resources. This project underscores the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in tackling urban waste challenges.
The facility will not only process green waste but also generate revenue, with the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) earning approximately Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty for supplying wood and branches.
Built on 55,000 square feet of land in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches to produce wooden pellets, serving as an alternative to coal and promoting energy conservation.
Large tree branches will be redirected to the Green Waste Processing Plant at City Forest, where they will be repurposed into valuable products. In addition, green waste generated from the premises of major institutions will be directly collected and sent to the facility, with a fixed fee structure in place.
Indore has been one of the top cities in India in cleanliness and sanitation, consistently ranking at the top of the Swachh Survekshan rankings under the Swachh Bharat Mission. The city has earned the title of the cleanest city in India multiple times in a row, thanks to the concerted efforts of its citizens and local government.
The bustling city in Madhya Pradesh has implemented a robust waste management system, including door-to-door waste collection, segregation of waste at the source, and an efficient solid waste processing system.
In addition, Indore has implemented several innovative measures, such as using technology to monitor sanitation, cleanliness drives, awareness programs, and waste-to-energy plants. However, not enough steps were taken for green waste.
The city generates approximately 30 tons of green waste daily, including wood, branches, leaves, and flowers. As the seasons change, especially during autumn, this volume can soar to 60 to 70 tons.
Partnering with the Indore Municipal Corporation, Astronomical Industries Private Limited embarked on an ambitious initiative to transform the city’s green waste into something both sustainable and valuable—a fine sawdust that could be used across a wide array of industries.
With a detailed plan, the idea is to dry the green waste in three to four months. During this time, the moisture content would decrease by 90%, preparing the material for the next stage.
As the months pass, the green waste, once damp and cumbersome, becomes light and brittle, almost ready for transformation. Cutting-edge machines will then help to break it down into fine dust particles and sawdust. Once an unremarkable byproduct of timber mills will now have a second life, contributing to a sustainable, circular economy.
The sawdust can be transformed into eco-friendly fuel, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods. It can be used to craft durable packing materials that reduce plastic needs.
Furniture manufacturers find it useful as a composite material, lending strength to products like chairs and tables. Fertilizers made from sawdust enriches the soil, helping farmers grow healthier crops. In the food industry, the sawdust can be moulded into disposable plates, offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic and Styrofoam.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Indore Municipal Corporation will play a pivotal role by providing and transporting land and green waste to the plant.
Meanwhile, the private company will be establishing the remaining infrastructure, including sheds, electricity, and water facilities. The private firm will also oversee the complete installation and operation of the plant, ensuring its smooth functioning from start to finish.
Other private firms have set up the Meghdoot and sub-grade plants, spanning an area of 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in Sirpur. These facilities are dedicated to processing garden waste, such as leaves and small twigs, sourced from the municipal corporation.
As part of this initiative, composting is also being carried out in specially designed compost pits located within the municipal gardens, further enhancing waste management efforts. Wooden pellets, produced from green waste, are utilized across various industries, including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), where they serve as an eco-friendly alternative for energy production and other applications.
The goal of this initiative is to efficiently manage green waste, promote environmental sustainability, and create additional revenue streams for the Municipal Corporation.
It also plays a crucial role in controlling the Air Quality Index (AQI). By improving waste management practices, this initiative will enhance hygiene, reduce pollution, and curb the unnecessary burning of waste, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
The project will also provide an alternative source of coal, contributing to AQI control while offering an effective solution for cleanliness and environmental protection. This initiative aligns with the vision of Garbage-Free Cities under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, advancing efforts toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environment.
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