There is a huge potential for converting waste into biogas, according to S.P. Kale, Head, Technology Transfer and Collaboration Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
He had interaction with the district administration officials at the Collectorate here on Monday as part of a BARC initiative, AKRUTI (Advance Knowledge and Rural Technology Implementation), through which it offers expertise in the areas of water, land, agriculture, tissue culture, food processing and waste management. “Contagious diseases claimed 10 percent of deaths in the country. Hence, the authorities should ensure supply of hygienic drinking water through efficient management,” Mr. Kale told the officials. Madurai, with a population of nearly 30 lakh people, had been generating 150 to 200 tonnes of waste every year. It could be converted into biogas, he said.
According to him, commissioning of a plant that can process one tonne of waste every day will cost nearly Rs. 15 lakh. “The plant can be commissioned in an area of 40 square metres and put to use for 40 years. The gas generated could be bottled or simply used at once. It might take at least one generation to get used to the concept of effective waste management. But awareness of sewage treatment and solid waste management techniques were important,” Mr. Kale said.
Collector Anshul Mishra was present at the meeting. A team of scientists from BARC will interact with college students, industrialists, agriculturalists, women self-group members and representatives of non-governmental organisations on Tuesday and Wednesday in the city.
