Gadkari Promotes Organic Waste-to-Biofuel, Urges Valuing Garbage as a Resource
Gadkari Promotes Organic Waste-to-Biofuel, Urges Valuing Garbage as a Resource
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has championed the concept of transforming waste into a valuable resource, emphasizing that effective waste monetization can both address disposal issues and generate financial benefits. Speaking at the Sthanik Swarajya Sanstha Diwas program on August 31, Gadkari highlighted the success of Nagpur’s innovative waste management strategies.
During the event, Gadkari showcased Nagpur’s achievements in leveraging waste for economic gain. The city’s municipal body reportedly earns Rs 300 crore annually by processing sewage and selling it to local industries. Gadkari noted, “In Nagpur, the municipal body is earning Rs 300 crore annually by treating sewage and selling it to industries in the nearby areas.”
Gadkari also discussed advancements in recycling and resource recovery. He explained that separating waste into plastics, metals, glass, and organic materials can elevate its value. For example, plastic waste can be converted into crude petrol, which is then blended with diesel. This process, according to Gadkari, makes the fuel cost-effective, priced at about Rs 50 per litre, and suitable for use in tractors.
In Nagpur, another initiative involves processing organic waste in bio-digesters to produce methane. This methane is then used to generate biofuels, further contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts. Gadkari remarked, “In Nagpur, we now put organic waste into a bio-digester to produce methane, which is used to create biofuels.”
The minister urged a shift in perspective towards waste, suggesting that it should become so valuable that people would vie for the right to obtain it. Gadkari emphasized the importance of using available resources effectively to boost revenue and promote environmental sustainability. “Garbage should become so valuable that people demand to acquire it,” he stated.
Gadkari’s remarks underscore a broader vision of integrating waste management with economic growth, aiming to turn waste into a resource that benefits communities and supports sustainable development.
