After months of uncertainty, Belagavi’s stalled compressed biogas (CBG) project may finally see progress, with the Belagavi City Corporation initiating a fresh search for land in the Udyambag area.
The ₹54.20 crore project, to be executed by Gas Authority of India Limited under the Central Government’s GOBARdhan Scheme, had hit a roadblock due to the non-availability of suitable land. All previously identified locations—including the Turmuri waste processing site and alternative plots in the northern and southern parts of the city—were dropped following strong public opposition.
In a renewed push, civic officials have now turned their focus to Udyambag. On Monday, Assistant Executive Engineer Hanumant Kaladgi, along with Environmental Engineers Adil Khan and Pravin Kumar, conducted on-site inspections to assess the feasibility of land in the area.
Preliminary assessments suggest the site could be suitable, though a final decision is yet to be taken. Officials are expediting the process, indicating urgency to revive the long-pending project.
Udyambag is emerging as a strong contender for two key reasons. Firstly, a decade ago, land in this area had already been earmarked for a pyrolysis-based waste-to-energy project, which never materialised. That land is reportedly still available.
Secondly, the absence of nearby residential settlements significantly reduces the chances of public opposition—one of the biggest hurdles that derailed earlier proposals.
The project aims to process around 150 tonnes of wet waste generated daily in the city to produce biogas, offering a sustainable alternative to existing waste management systems.
Importantly, the entire capital expenditure and operational costs will be borne by GAIL, ensuring zero financial burden on the Municipal Corporation.
While the Udyambag option has raised fresh hopes, the project’s future still hinges on timely land finalisation. Any further delay in securing a site could once again stall progress.
Adding to the uncertainty is the reported transfer of Assistant Executive Engineer Hanumant Kaladgi, who has been closely associated with the project. Though efforts are reportedly underway to revoke the transfer, officials maintain that the site selection process will continue regardless.
For now, all eyes are on Udyambag as Belagavi attempts to revive a key green energy initiative that promises to convert the city’s waste into a valuable resource.