Telangana: Biodigesters in integrated markets for green energy production

Hyderabad: In a major initiative, the State government has decided to install biodigesters in all integrated vegetable and meat markets that are coming up across the State. The installation of biodigesters would serve multiple benefits. Apart from facilitating the production of green energy, biodigesters will aid in the scientific disposal of the waste generated in […]

Hyderabad: In a major initiative, the State government has decided to install biodigesters in all integrated vegetable and meat markets that are coming up across the State. The installation of biodigesters would serve multiple benefits. Apart from facilitating the production of green energy, biodigesters will aid in the scientific disposal of the waste generated in these markets besides maintaining sanitation.

“It is being planned with minimum investment and maximum benefits, especially ensuring zero waste in these markets. Depending on the capacity, the installation cost for one biodigester would range from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore,” an official from Public Health and Municipal Engineering Department told ‘Telangana Today‘.

Initially, the department is constructing 72 integrated vegetable and meat markets in urban local bodies across the State, and targets have been set to complete the construction of 35 markets by this year-end. Already, some markets including the ones in Gajwal and Siddipet have been opened to the public and measures are being taken to install biodigesters in these markets first, the officials said.

Depending on the location, each market is being constructed in an area covering about two acres. As per feasibility, each market would be equipped with a minimum of 50 stalls to a maximum of 150 stalls. Each market is being constructed at a cost of about Rs 3 crore to Rs 6 crore.

Apart from fish, chicken and mutton, stalls in the market will also have fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers, all under one roof. The government had already made a provision of Rs 500 crore for the construction of integrated vegetable and meat markets and works are under progress in many places.

Considering the arrivals of vegetables, fruits and flowers at these markets, officials are now gearing up to install biodigesters in every market. This initiative is being rolled out following specific instructions from Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao to initiate measures for scientific disposal of waste generated in the markets, the official said.

Accordingly, officials are installing biodigesters with capacities ranging from 0.5 tonne to 1 tonne, based on the size of the market and expected arrivals of vegetables, fruits and flowers per day. These biodigesters will convert the vegetable waste into biofuel, mainly consisting of methanol as a major component. This energy can be used for different purposes, including operating kitchens in the canteens on the market premises, explained the official.

Bowenpally market draws praise
During the ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appreciated the initiative of the Agriculture Market at Bowenpally for setting up a biogas plant on the market premises. The plant treats about 10 tonnes of waste and generates about 400 to 500 units of biogas which is equivalent to 30 kg of LPG. Impressed with the initiative, Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan had visited the market and inspected the plant.

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