GOBARdhan Initiative Begins Reaping Good Results & Stimulating Investments In Biogas Sector in India

Source: The post is based on the article “GOBARdhan Initiative Begins Reaping Good Results & Stimulating Investments In Biogas Sector in India”  published in PIB on 29th July 2023.

What is the News?

Union Minister for Jal Shakti has launched the Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan.

What is the GOBARdhan Initiative?

Launched in: 2018

Full Form: Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) 

Aim: To convert waste to wealth with the aim of promoting a circular economy.

Nodal Ministry: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti

Part of: Gobardhan is an integral part of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II under Solid Waste Management.

Objectives: To support villages safely manage their cattle and agricultural waste, and make the villages clean.

– To support communities in converting cattle and organic waste into wealth using treatment systems.

– To convert organic waste, especially cattle waste, to biogas and organic manure for use in rural areas.

– To promote environmental sanitation and curb vector-borne diseases through effective disposal of waste in rural areas.

– To promote rural employment and income generation opportunities by involving entrepreneurs, SHGs and youth groups in setting up, operating and managing GOBARdhan units.

Financial incentive: For every district, the Government of India provides technical assistance as well as financial support of up to 50 lakhs to achieve the safe disposal of cattle and organic waste.

What has Budget 2023-24 announced for the GOBARdhan scheme?

As per Budget Announcement 2023-24, 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under GOBARdhan scheme will be established for promoting the circular economy. 

These will include 200 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, including 75 plants in urban areas, and 300 community or cluster-based plants.These plants will be established primarily by the private sector with support from stakeholder Ministries/Departments.

What are the benefits of the GOBARdhan scheme?