Chandigarh, January 19:- In a landmark step towards sustainable urban development, scientific waste management and clean energy generation, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh today held the land earmarking ceremony for the establishment of a Segregated Organic Municipal Solid Waste (SOMSW)–based Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plant at the Dadumajra dumping ground.

The Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, was the Chief Guest during the ceremony, accompanied by Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor of Chandigarh, Sh. V.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Punjab; Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary, Local Government; Sh. Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forest; Sh. Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh; Sh. Pardeep Kumar, Special Commissioner, MCC; Dr. Ajit Kumar Thakur, Executive Director, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), along with officials of the Chandigarh Administration, Municipal Corporation, and prominent citizens.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Governor emphasised that scientific waste management and renewable energy solutions are no longer optional but essential for environmental security and public well-being. He stated that cities must move away from conventional dumping practices and adopt circular economy models, where waste is treated as a valuable resource. He observed that Dadumajra had long been a concern for residents and the city alike, and the Administration has been working continuously to address this issue.

The Hon’ble Governor said that the transformation of Dadumajra from a dumping ground into a clean energy hub is a proud moment for Chandigarh and will serve as a model for urban local bodies across the country. He congratulated Indian Oil Corporation Limited for partnering in the initiative, noting that conversion of waste into biogas for vehicles reflects a forward-looking and sustainable approach.

He appreciated the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh for its foresight, perseverance, and commitment in successfully carrying out the bioremediation of legacy waste and taking the next step towards sustainable utilisation of reclaimed land through clean energy infrastructure. He said that the land earmarking marks the culmination of phased and scientific bioremediation work, which commenced in 2019.

The Hon’ble Governor highlighted that nearly 28 acres of land have been reclaimed and freed from garbage, leading to a substantial reduction in environmental hazards, foul odour, and pollution. This achievement, he said, has helped restore ecological balance in the area and paved the way for productive and sustainable reuse of reclaimed land.

Appreciating the efforts of IOCL, the Hon’ble Governor said that the state-of-the-art CBG plant is being established under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate (DBFO) model, involving no financial investment by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, including operation and maintenance costs. The proposed plant will process 200 tonnes per day of segregated organic municipal solid waste (up to 10% mixed waste) and 30 TPD of cow dung, in strict compliance with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms, along with the development of a mandatory 33 per cent green belt.

The Hon’ble Governor further directed the Chief Conservator of Forest and MCC officials to prepare a comprehensive plantation and landscaping plan for the reclaimed land, including green buffers, jogging tracks, children’s play areas, and open spaces, to transform the area into a vibrant, healthy, and citizen-friendly zone. He also announced that a large-scale tree plantation drive will be launched from the site in July 2026.

He said that these initiatives reinforce Chandigarh’s standing as one of India’s best-planned cities and strengthen its vision of becoming a clean, green, and environmentally sustainable city for present and future generations.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor of Chandigarh, reaffirmed the Municipal Corporation’s commitment to a cleaner, greener, and healthier city. She stated that the CBG plant represents a win-win solution, addressing waste management challenges while simultaneously generating clean and renewable energy, thereby improving the quality of life of citizens, especially residents living in and around Dadumajra.

She appreciated the cooperation of Indian Oil Corporation Limited and the dedicated efforts of MC officers in bringing the project to the implementation stage. The Mayor informed that the estimated project cost is approximately ₹125 crore and said that the project will deliver long-term environmental, social, and public health benefits, including reduced methane emissions and lower dependence on fossil fuels.

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