Indore is about to achieve a significant milestone in sustainable waste management with the establishment of India’s first green waste processing plant, made possible through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This project, part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, aims to convert green waste into valuable resources, enhancing environmental sustainability and reducing pollution. The facility will process green waste, generate revenue for the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), and offer an alternative to coal by producing wooden pellets. This plant represents a crucial advancement in innovation, circular economy, and eco-friendly waste management.
Key Highlights of the Green Waste Processing Plant
1. Project Overview
- Location: Bicholi Hapsi, Indore
- Developed Under: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
- Execution Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
- Land Area: 55,000 square feet
- Private Partner: Astronomical Industries Private Limited
- Waste Processed: Wood, branches, leaves, and flowers
2. Green Waste Processing and Revenue Model
Indore produces about 30 tons of green waste every day, and that number jumps to around 60-70 tons in the autumn months.The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) makes Rs 3,000 for every tonne of wood and branches they supply. The facility will turn this wood waste into wooden pellets, providing a sustainable alternative to coal. Major institutions will send their green waste directly to the plant, all under a set fee arrangement.
3. Waste Transformation Process
- Large tree branches are directed to City Forest’s Green Waste Processing Plant.
- Green waste is dried for 3-4 months, reducing moisture content by 90%.
- Cutting-edge machines transform dried waste into fine sawdust.
- The sawdust is repurposed into multiple eco-friendly products.
4. Applications of Sawdust and Wooden Pellets
- Eco-friendly fuel: Cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods.
- Biodegradable packaging material: Reduces plastic usage.
- Furniture manufacturing: Used as a composite material for chairs and tables.
- Fertilizers: Enhances soil quality and crop production.
- Food industry: Transformed into disposable, biodegradable plates.
5. Role of IMC and Private Firms
IMC’s Responsibilities
- Provides land and transports green waste to the plant.
Private Firm’s Responsibilities
- Sets up sheds, electricity, and water facilities.
- Oversees complete installation and operation of the plant.
6. Additional Waste Processing Facilities
Meghdoot and Sub-Grade Plants
- Located in Sirpur, covering 10,000-15,000 square feet.
- Process garden waste like leaves and twigs from IMC.
Composting Pits in Municipal Gardens
- Used for converting green waste into compost.
7. Environmental and Economic Benefits
- Air Quality Improvement: Reduces pollution and controls Air Quality Index (AQI).
- Revenue Generation: IMC earns revenue from waste processing.
- Sustainable Energy Source: Wooden pellets serve as an alternative to coal in industries like NTPC.
- Pollution Control: Helps curb waste burning and promotes cleanliness.
- Circular Economy Promotion: Ensures effective waste utilization for environmental sustainability.
