Indore: Indore is poised to make a major advancement in environmental sustainability with the introduction of India’s first green waste processing plant based on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. Located on a 55,000-square-foot site in Bicholi Hapsi, the plant will recycle wood and branches into wooden pellets, providing an alternative to coal and supporting energy conservation 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 primary aim of this initiative is to effectively manage green waste, foster environmental sustainability, and generate new revenue sources for the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), which is expected to earn around Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalties from the supply of wood and branches.
Indore produces about 30 tons of green waste daily, including wood, branches, leaves, and flowers, with this amount potentially increasing to 60 to 70 tons during the autumn season. Large tree branches will be redirected to the green waste processing plant at City Forest for repurposing into useful products. Additionally, green waste from major institutions will be collected directly and transported to the facility under a fixed fee arrangement.
The project will also provide an alternative source of coal, contributing to Air Quality Index control while offering an effective solution for cleanliness and environmental protection. In collaboration with the Indore Municipal Corporation, Astronomical Industries Private Limited has initiated this project aimed at converting the city’s green waste into a sustainable and valuable resource—fine sawdust, which can be utilized across various industries.
The strategy involves drying the green waste over a period of three to four months, during which the moisture content is expected to diminish by 90%, thus preparing the material for subsequent processing. As time progresses, the initially heavy and moist green waste will transform into a lightweight and brittle form, nearing readiness for conversion. Advanced machinery will then facilitate the breakdown of this material into fine dust particles, resulting in sawdust. Once considered a mere byproduct of timber production, this sawdust now plays a vital role in fostering a sustainable, circular economy.
The sawdust can be repurposed into eco-friendly fuel, offering a cleaner alternative to conventional burning practices. It serves as a raw material for creating durable packaging solutions that minimize reliance on plastic. Additionally, furniture manufacturers utilize it as a composite material, enhancing the strength of products such as chairs and tables. Furthermore, fertilizers derived from sawdust enrich the soil, promoting healthier crop yields for farmers. In the food sector, sawdust can be moulded into disposable plates, providing a biodegradable substitute for plastic and Styrofoam products.
By enhancing waste management practices, this initiative is expected to promote better hygiene, reduce pollution, and prevent the unnecessary burning of waste, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
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 take on the responsibility of setting up 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 sub-grade plants, spanning an area of 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in nearby 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.
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.
– global bihari bureau
