The recent launch of a Unified Portal of Gobardhan has drawn attention to the government’s efforts to streamline the implementation and tracking of Biogas initiatives. This scheme, helmed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, forms a part of the broader Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBMG).
Objectives of the Unified Portal
The primary objectives of this portal are to ensure smooth coordination among various departments and ministries involved in the implementation of biogas schemes and their real-time tracking. By bringing all stakeholders under one digital roof, the government aims to streamline the process and ensure efficient monitoring of progress.
Economic Benefits and ODF Plus Goals
Through this integrated approach for various biogas projects and initiatives, the portal seeks to strengthen the rural economy. It is aligned with the ODF Plus goals which focus on solid waste management in villages, collection, and transportation of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. The success of the Phase 2 of SBMG significantly relies on the performance of the Gobardhan scheme.
Integration with Other Schemes
The unified portal will also aid in achieving the objectives of SATAT (Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation). This scheme aims at establishing Compressed Biogas (CBG) production plants and ensuring market linkage for the usage of biofuel in automotive fuels.
Improving Environment and Public Health
Rural India generates large quantities of bio-waste which can be efficiently utilized through biogas schemes. Efficient use of these resources can lead to palpable improvements in the environment and public health.
Employment Generation and Savings
The processing of bio-waste, especially cattle dung into biogas and organic manure, opens up avenues for employment and contributes to household savings.
About GOBAR-DHAN Scheme
The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) – DHAN scheme. This initiative is being implemented as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
Components of the Mission
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) encompasses two major components for creating clean villages – creating open defecation free (ODF) villages and managing solid and liquid waste in villages.
Aim of the Scheme
The scheme aims at keeping villages clean, boosting the income of rural households, and generating energy from cattle waste. Additionally, it seeks to create new rural livelihood opportunities and improve income for farmers and other rural inhabitants.