Rs 542.0 Million Biogas Project Stalled Over Land Issues in Belagavi
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Rs 542.0 Million Biogas Project Stalled Over Land Issues in Belagavi

The compressed biogas project in Belagavi, valued at Rs 542.0 million (mn), has been put on hold due to lack of suitable land. The project, awarded to Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), has faced opposition at multiple proposed sites. Initially two city sites were shortlisted but residents resisted both, and a proposal at the Turmuri waste management facility to lease 10 acres for 25 years was abandoned after protests. Subsequent locations in the north and south zones also met similar resistance.

The Belagavi City Corporation has identified an alternative site and forwarded the proposal to the Urban Development Department for approval. Administrative approval for the project was granted on November 20, 2025, but land allocation remains unresolved even after five months. The project forms part of the Central Government's GOBARdhan Scheme under which GAIL and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) were tasked with executing waste to gas projects across Karnataka. Belagavi was assigned to GAIL because of its position along the Dabhol–Bengaluru gas pipeline.

The city generates around 150 t of wet waste daily that the plant was to process into biogas. The plan would require no capital contribution from the municipal corporation since GAIL will bear the full capital cost of Rs 542.0 mn and an annual operational expense of about Rs 76.9 million (mn). Stakeholders cited land availability and local resistance as principal obstacles and officials are seeking expedited clearance to keep timelines intact. Proponents say resolving land allocation would unlock benefits in waste management and local energy supply.

Compressed biogas is produced by anaerobic decomposition of organic waste such as agricultural residue, cattle dung, municipal solid waste and sewage, and the gas contains 55 to 60 per cent methane before purification and compression to CNG equivalence for use as a green fuel. The scheme aims to support sustainable waste management and provide an alternative fuel for automotive, industrial and commercial sectors while reducing environmental impact. Authorities engage with communities to identify a viable location and expedite approvals so that project objectives may be realised.

The compressed biogas project in Belagavi, valued at Rs 542.0 million (mn), has been put on hold due to lack of suitable land. The project, awarded to Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), has faced opposition at multiple proposed sites. Initially two city sites were shortlisted but residents resisted both, and a proposal at the Turmuri waste management facility to lease 10 acres for 25 years was abandoned after protests. Subsequent locations in the north and south zones also met similar resistance. The Belagavi City Corporation has identified an alternative site and forwarded the proposal to the Urban Development Department for approval. Administrative approval for the project was granted on November 20, 2025, but land allocation remains unresolved even after five months. The project forms part of the Central Government's GOBARdhan Scheme under which GAIL and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) were tasked with executing waste to gas projects across Karnataka. Belagavi was assigned to GAIL because of its position along the Dabhol–Bengaluru gas pipeline. The city generates around 150 t of wet waste daily that the plant was to process into biogas. The plan would require no capital contribution from the municipal corporation since GAIL will bear the full capital cost of Rs 542.0 mn and an annual operational expense of about Rs 76.9 million (mn). Stakeholders cited land availability and local resistance as principal obstacles and officials are seeking expedited clearance to keep timelines intact. Proponents say resolving land allocation would unlock benefits in waste management and local energy supply. Compressed biogas is produced by anaerobic decomposition of organic waste such as agricultural residue, cattle dung, municipal solid waste and sewage, and the gas contains 55 to 60 per cent methane before purification and compression to CNG equivalence for use as a green fuel. The scheme aims to support sustainable waste management and provide an alternative fuel for automotive, industrial and commercial sectors while reducing environmental impact. Authorities engage with communities to identify a viable location and expedite approvals so that project objectives may be realised.

Next Story
Real Estate

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement