Indore to set up India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant

IN NEWS

Indore to set up India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant

Analysis

1. Context and Significance
   • Indore, under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U), is launching India’s first Green Waste Processing Plant developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
   • This marks a significant step in sustainable urban waste management, promoting circular economy practices and environmental innovation.
2. Project Overview
   • The plant is being developed by Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) in collaboration with Astronomical Industries Pvt. Ltd.
   • Located at Bicholi Hapsi, the facility spans 55,000 sq. ft. and will process wood, branches, leaves, and flowers generated as green waste in the city.
   • Indore generates around 30 tonnes of green waste daily, which can increase up to 60–70 tonnes during autumn.
3. Revenue and Economic Aspects
   • IMC will earn approximately ₹3,000 per tonne as royalty for supplying wood and branches.
   • The project demonstrates how waste can be turned into a valuable resource while creating new revenue streams for municipal bodies.
4. Technology and Processing Method
   • The plant will recycle wood and branches into wooden pellets, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to coal, thereby promoting energy conservation.
   • The waste will be dried for three to four months to reduce moisture content by 90%, before being converted into fine sawdust using advanced machinery.
   • The sawdust can be used across sectors — as fuel, packing material, composite furniture material, biodegradable plates, and fertilizers.
5. Operational Model
   • IMC: Responsible for land provision and waste collection/transportation.
   • Private Partner: Will handle infrastructure setup (sheds, electricity, water), machinery installation, and plant operations.
   • This model showcases an effective PPP approach to sustainable urban governance.
6. Environmental and Urban Impact
   • The initiative aligns with the Garbage-Free Cities vision under SBM-U.
   • Helps control AQI by reducing open burning of waste and pollution.
   • Supports waste-to-wealth conversion, enhances urban hygiene, and boosts green energy adoption.
7. Broader Waste Management Ecosystem
   • Other private plants like Meghdoot and Sub-grade units in Sirpur also process garden waste for composting.
   • Compost pits within municipal gardens enhance organic waste recycling and soil health.
   • The wooden pellets produced are used by industries like NTPC, contributing to cleaner energy generation.
8. Strategic Outcomes
   • Encourages resource efficiency, sustainable energy alternatives, and urban climate resilience.
   • Demonstrates a scalable model for other Indian cities aiming for integrated solid waste management.

Static Information

• Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U):
  A flagship initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched in 2014 to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management in urban areas.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
  A cooperative arrangement between public and private sectors for financing, building, and operating projects that serve the public.
• Circular Economy Concept:
  Focuses on reducing waste by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials to create a closed-loop system, minimizing resource input and environmental impact.

Updated - 18 Mar 2025 ; 04:42 PM | PIB

[News Source: PIB]