The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has devised a sustainable solution for wet waste management in the twin cities by collaborating with BPCL to establish a compressed biogas production facility. The proposed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant will primarily process wet waste, excluding green leaves and tree branches, to produce renewable energy, aligning with the government's Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme.

The plant, which requires an investment of Rs 680 million, will be located on a 10-acre plot in Sivalli village. BPCL's request for a 25-year free lease arrangement demonstrates their long-term commitment to the project. The facility is designed to process 144 tonne of wet waste daily, with an expected output of five tonnes of compressed biogas.

This collaboration brings multiple advantages for HDMC. It eliminates the financial burden on the corporation, as BPCL will manage the entire operation, and enables HDMC to focus on promoting waste segregation awareness among residents. Additionally, the project offers logistical benefits, as large-capacity trucks will efficiently transport waste to the processing facility, reducing operational costs while ensuring regular waste collection and disposal.

The initiative presents a sustainable approach to waste management by converting organic waste into valuable energy resources. It addresses both environmental concerns and energy needs while promoting cleaner fuel alternatives in the region. The project's success could serve as a model for other municipalities seeking effective waste management solutions.

HDMC's Solid Waste Management (SWM) executive engineer, Mallikarjun BM, mentioned that the corporation would face no financial burden. He explained that by handing over wet waste (excluding green leaves and tree branches) to BPCL's plants, HDMC could focus more on raising awareness about waste segregation and other aspects. He also pointed out that transportation expenses would be reduced due to the availability of large trucks.

After receiving approval from the general body for land allocation, a comprehensive project report will be prepared for submission to the Department of Municipal Administration (DMA). The DMA will review the documentation before forwarding it to the government authorities. Once the government grants clearance, the implementation of the plan will begin, Mallikarjun BM further noted.