GS 2 – GOVERNANCE
Context: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in data regarding operational Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants listed on the GOBARdhan portal.
Compressed Biogas (CBG):
CBG is a renewable energy source generated from organic waste, including agricultural residues, cattle dung, municipal solid waste, and sewage sludge. It serves as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, facilitates waste management, and curbs open burning.
GOBARdhan Scheme:
The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) initiative focuses on converting waste into valuable resources, supporting the concept of a circular economy. It aims to create a robust ecosystem for Biogas, Compressed Biogas (CBG), and Bio-CNG plants to promote sustainable development. The scheme is overseen by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Key Challenges:
- Slow Progress: As of December 2024, only 115 CBG plants are operational, far below the target of 5,000 plants by 2030.
- Data Deficiency: The GOBARdhan portal does not provide specific information on feedstocks used by individual CBG plants.
- Lack of Transparency: The portal does not feature an updated section on operational plants, which hinders policymakers’ ability to address the issues faced by entrepreneurs effectively.