Delhi is set to get its first compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Goyla Dairy in southwest Delhi by September. The facility will convert 200 tonnes (t) of cattle dung a day into compressed biogas for use as vehicle fuel and will also produce organic fertiliser. The project is being developed under the Urban Development Fund of the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs.

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar inspected the site and directed officials to expedite remaining civil, mechanical and electrical work by deploying additional manpower and resources. He required that the project be completed and made ready for commissioning on or before September 17 and ordered measures to prevent cattle dung entering nearby drains. The executing agency was instructed to ensure proper collection, transportation and processing arrangements to protect the environment and public health.

The project has significance as the Union home minister recently set a target to process 1,500 tonnes (t) of dairy waste under the Clean Yamuna initiative. The plant will process cattle dung and municipal solid waste to generate compressed biogas and organic fertiliser. After reviewing the biogas plant the commissioner also inspected major solid waste management facilities in the MCD West Zone to assess project implementation and infrastructure upgrades.

Officials indicated the agency was required to submit progress reports and coordinate with local dairy owners to ensure timely collection and supply of feedstock. The capacity to handle 200 t a day is seen as a key step towards reducing organic waste reaching drains and improving river health. The facility is expected to contribute to cleaner urban waste management while producing a low carbon transport fuel for the city.