GOBARdhan scheme

The Union Budget 2023 announced the launch of a new initiative, the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) scheme. This scheme aims to promote a circular economy and was announced as part of the government’s green growth initiative. The government has allocated Rs. 10,000 crore for the implementation of this scheme.

“Waste to Wealth” Plants

Under the GOBARdhan initiative, 500 new “waste to wealth” plants will be established across India. This will include 200 compressed biogas (CBG) plants, 75 of which will be set up in urban regions. The remaining 300 plants will be community- or cluster-based.

Compressed Biogas Plants

The compressed biogas plants will play a crucial role in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the use of clean energy. The plants will convert organic waste into compressed biogas, which can then be used as a fuel for cooking and heating. This will not only help in reducing the waste but also in reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

Community and Cluster-based Plants

The community and cluster-based plants will be established in rural regions and will focus on the collection and treatment of organic waste. This will provide a source of income for the rural population and promote the circular economy in these areas.

Benefits of GOBARdhan

The GOBARdhan initiative is expected to bring multiple benefits to the country. Some of the key benefits include:

• Reduction in Waste: By converting organic waste into compressed biogas, the GOBARdhan initiative will help in reducing the amount of waste that is generated in the country.
• Promotion of Clean Energy: The use of compressed biogas as a fuel will promote the use of clean energy and reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.
• Boost to Rural Economy: The community and cluster-based plants will provide a source of income for the rural population and help in promoting the circular economy in these areas.
• Environmental Benefits: The GOBARdhan initiative is expected to bring environmental benefits by reducing the carbon footprint of the country.