+
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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

NABARD Holds Seminar on Vigilance, Integrity and Good Governance

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a seminar on “Vigilance: Strengthening Integrity and Good Governance” on 25 August 2026 at its Head Office in Mumbai as part of the ongoing Vigilance Awareness Campaign 2026 being observed from 17 August to 16 November 2026, with the theme “Probity for Prosperity."" The seminar was graced by Suresh N Patel, Former Central Vigilance Commissioner, Government of India, as the chief guest and keynote speaker.  The programme was attended by G S Rawat, Deputy Managing Director, Dr Ajay K Sood, Deputy Managing Dire..

Next Story
Equipment

XCMG Unveils World's First 14,000-Ton Ring Crane for Heavy Lifting

XCMG has announced that the first main unit of the world's first 14,000-ton ring crane has rolled off the production line, marking a historic breakthrough in ultra-heavy lifting technology. Jointly developed by XCMG and Sinopec Heavy Lifting & Transportation Co., Ltd., the crane will be the largest-capacity ring crane ever built, setting a new benchmark for major construction projects worldwide.The crane features a modular configuration comprising two main units that work in tandem. The first main unit has completed final assembly and can independently perform lifting operations. Once both..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Thriveni Logistics orders 200 tip trailers from Jagdamba trailers

Jagdamba Trailers (JTPL), one of India’s growing trailer manufacturers, has secured a significant order for 200 Tip Trailers from Thriveni Transport and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a leading mining and logistics company serving operations across India and overseas.The order, placed for iron ore transportation, is a major milestone for JTPL, particularly as the company secured the business after competing with more than 10 established trailer manufacturers. It also strengthens an already successful relationship between the two companies. Approximately one and a half years ago, Thriveni Transport and..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code