Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the construction of four compressed bio-gas (CBG) plants by Oil India Ltd in Assam on Wednesday. The ceremony was part of a virtual event for multiple CBG plants across India, aimed at promoting sustainable energy on the occasion of Swachh Bharat Diwas.

The key projects in Assam will be located in Guwahati, Jorhat, Sivasagar, and Tinsukia.

Modi remarked, ""Cow dung is transforming our villages. Hundreds of biogas plants are now being established in rural India."" He noted that managing cow dung had been a challenge for villagers, especially when cattle became unproductive due to age or other factors.

""With these biogas plants, even the dung from unproductive bovines is benefiting our farmers,"" he stated.

He also highlighted the increasing waste generation due to urbanization, including rising e-waste. ""We need innovative technologies to tackle these challenges,"" he emphasized, calling for future construction to incorporate recycling and minimal waste generation.

Oil India Ltd, in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), plans to establish 25 CBG plants by 2024-25 through public sector investments or partnerships with private entrepreneurs.

The company stated, ""As India strives to become a clean energy leader, the establishment of these CBG plants is a crucial step toward a greener, more resilient future.""

The plants will feature advanced zero liquid discharge systems, minimizing environmental impact. Each unit is designed to process 125 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, converting it into approximately 2 tonnes of CBG.

The biogas produced can either be integrated into local city gas distribution networks or supplied directly to CNG retailers. This initiative not only helps reduce pollution but also provides an alternative clean energy source, aligning with the Government of India's 'Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation' and GOBARdhan schemes.

Additionally, the plants are expected to generate significant local job opportunities, boost economic development, and improve living standards in these areas. The initiative will also contribute to reducing the nation's dependence on imported fuels, enhancing energy independence and self-sufficiency.