PM Modi unveils 4 compressed biogas plants in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 2, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the construction of four Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants by Oil India Ltd (OIL) in Assam, as part of a larger initiative involving 33 CBG plants across the country. The virtual ceremony, held from New Delhi on the occasion of Swachh Bharat Diwas, aims to promote a sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape.

The CBG plants in Assam are located in Guwahati, Jorhat, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), OIL is committed to setting up 25 CBG plants by 2024-25 through investments by public sector units (PSUs) or partnerships with private entrepreneurs. These plants will contribute to India’s efforts to embrace clean energy, reduce waste, and promote a greener future.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, participated from the location of the CBG plant in Tingrai, Assam.

Modi addressed the event, noting the significance of October 2, which marks the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, paying his respects to both figures, whom he referred to as sons of “Maa Bharti.”

In his address, Modi expressed both a sense of duty and emotion on this day, underlining the inspiration drawn from Mahatma Gandhi’s values and vision. He emphasized that the occasion motivates to work collectively towards realizing the dreams of Gandhi and other great personalities, aligning to build a sustainable and eco-friendly energy future for India.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Modi emphasized the movement’s significance, describing it as “a symbol of the unwavering commitment of crores of Indians.” He highlighted the mass public support the initiative has received over the past decade, noting that citizens have made it a personal mission and integrated it into their daily lives.

Modi underscored the importance of projects like Namami Gange and GOBARdhan (which convert organic waste to biogas) in advancing the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission. He expressed that the success of these initiatives would propel the mission to new heights, stating, “The more successful the Swachh Bharat Mission is, the more our country will shine.”

Speaking about the GOBARdhan Yojana, Modi highlighted its transformative impact on both rural and urban areas, mentioning that hundreds of biogas plants have been installed in villages across the country, where animal waste is converted into biogas. He also noted that numerous compressed biogas plants have been established nationwide, further promoting clean energy and sustainable waste management.

Speaking at the event, Sonowal honoured Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean and ideal state, recalling Gandhiji’s belief that “cleanliness is next to godliness” and that a clean environment reflects spiritual purity. He expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading the groundbreaking ceremony (Bhoomi Pujan) for Oil India Limited’s Compressed Biogas (CBG) project.

Sonowal emphasized the significant benefits this project will bring to the youth, offering new opportunities for growth and development. On behalf of the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency, he extended special thanks to Prime Minister Modi and expressed heartfelt appreciation to Oil India Ltd. for their contribution to the initiative.

Sonowal highlighted the importance of community involvement, stressing that the collaboration of Gaon Panchayats, Municipal Corporations, the government, and the administration will be vital for the success of the cleanliness drive. He encouraged public participation (Jan Bhagidaari), underscoring that the initiative will evolve into a true people’s movement (Jan Andolan).

Sonowal also expressed pride in India’s progress in adopting pollution-free energy, urging political colleagues and the public to embrace clean energy, reduce pollution, and transition to renewable sources for a sustainable future.