Chandigarh

Haryana is taking a significant step in waste management by launching waste-to-charcoal plants, also known as green coal plants, with support from the Central government. This initiative will be the first of its kind in the region, with plants set to be established in Faridabad and Gurugram.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd (NVVNL), a subsidiary of NTPC Ltd, and the Municipal Corporations of Gurugram and Faridabad. The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Manohar Lal, CM Nayab Singh Saini, and Minister of State for Urban Local Bodies Subhash Sudha.

CM Saini highlighted the significance of the MoU, noting that the project aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. Under this agreement, NVVNL will build two plants one in Bandhwari, Gurugram, and the other in Motuka, Faridabad. Each plant will cost around Rs 500 crore and will convert 1,500 tonnes of waste collected daily into charcoal.

The Municipal Corporations will allocate 20 acres of land for each plant. NTPC will soon begin construction, with the plants expected to be operational in about 30 months using entirely indigenous technology.

Vikas Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Local Bodies Department, noted that urbanization has led to increased waste generation, making waste management a significant challenge. This project, guided by the Chief Minister, aims to enhance waste management in the cities.