Mahindra group to set up bio-CNG plant in Dera Bassi

Providing a permanent solution to the smoldering problem of stubble burning in Mohali district, the Mahindra Group will set up a bio-CNG plant in Dera Bassi region of the district. Punjab Government has given a nod to Mahindra Waste to Energy Solutions Limited — a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra Group — for setting up Bio-CNG plant in Mohali.

“This plant will generate Bio-CNG from agricultural waste to operate vehicles, generators and providing organic fertilizer for cultivation,” said Mohali Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Kaur Sapra on Sunday.

She said that this initiative would give a solution to multiple problems like soil health erosion and environmental pollution caused due to stubble burning. “It would also support the farmers to improve the soil fertility with organic fertilizer. This plant would also provide additional income to the farmers as the straw would be procured from farmers at the market price,” she said. Deputy Commissioner said that the farmers would be able to use this source of energy for various machines used for agricultural activities. This step would also generate employment by engaging the people in the operations and maintenance of the plant, she said.

Sapra said that Mahindra would invest over Rs 15 crore to set up this plant in Mohali which would consume 10,500 tons of paddy straw per year.

Mahindra Waste to Energy Solutions Limited was already running three such projects in different states and work was in progress regarding nine projects. The project also aimed at creating an eco-system to provide green energy where the collection of waste material for the generation of bio-CNG and organic fertilizer can be decentralized to help the local villagers and farmers as per their need.