Mangaluru is poised to unveil its pioneering bio-CNG plant in Puttur within the next month, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Karnataka. This innovative facility will convert the city’s wet waste into compressed natural gas (CNG), contributing to sustainable waste management and energy solutions.
The plant, developed through a private partnership, has already begun pilot operations, processing wet waste to produce biogas. According to Madhu S. Manohar, Commissioner of Puttur City Municipal Council (CMC), the city, which comprises over 25,000 properties across 31 wards, generates around eight tons of wet waste daily. This waste is currently converted into approximately 350 kilograms of biogas. The new plant will refine this biogas into CNG, ready for distribution at CNG stations.
The facility awaits licensing from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) for dispensing CNG. Once operational, it will collaborate with GAIL Gas Limited for supply. The bio-CNG plant was established with an investment of Rs 3 crore by the Rotary Club East Puttur Swachh Bharath Trust, Krishna Muliya Green Energy, and Retap Solutions, without any government funding. The plant’s output will be utilized in the CMC’s waste collection vehicles, significantly reducing fuel costs.
Additionally, the CMC has enforced strict waste segregation regulations, imposing penalties on non-compliance.