The proposed Compressed Biogas (CBG) project for Belagavi has entered another crucial phase, with officials from Gas Authority of India Limited conducting a site inspection at the Mandoli Road location on Saturday amid growing opposition from residents of Mandoli and Hangarga villages.
A team of GAIL representatives and managers from New Delhi visited Belagavi specifically to inspect the nearly nine-acre land parcel identified for the ₹54.20 crore project. Officials from the Belagavi City Corporation, including Environmental Engineers, accompanied the delegation during the inspection.
During the visit, civic officials reportedly briefed the GAIL team on various aspects of the proposed site, including land layout, surrounding conditions, road connectivity, technical feasibility, and future development planning. Sources said a preliminary assessment was also carried out regarding nearby villages, the immediate surroundings, and possible environmental implications of setting up the project in the area.
The Municipal Corporation plans to establish the CBG plant to process the city’s wet waste and generate biogas as part of a long-term solid waste management solution. The project is being implemented under the Central Government’s GOBARdhan Scheme initiative.
However, the latest inspection comes against the backdrop of strong resistance from local residents. On Friday, villagers from Mandoli and Hangarga submitted a memorandum to the DC demanding that the project not be established in the region under any circumstances.
The opposition from residents adds another layer of uncertainty to the project, which has already faced repeated setbacks due to land-related disputes and public resistance at previously proposed locations, including Turmuri and other sites within the city limits.
With GAIL now assessing the Mandoli Road site, the future of the ambitious waste-to-energy project may depend on whether authorities can balance technical feasibility with public concerns.