Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) has undertaken a significant strategic shift in its waste management approach by narrowing the scope of its Samgauli waste plant project, resulting in a substantial cost reduction from an initial estimate of Rs 150 crore down to Rs 27 crore. This decision, which excludes other municipal corporations (MCs) from Patiala, Ludhiana, and Fatehgarh Sahib, focuses solely on Mohali district clusters, ensuring a streamlined execution and operational efficiency.
The revamped project aims to establish a 100 tonnes per day (TPD) waste to compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. It will process segregated solid waste, primarily organic and biodegradable waste, at Samgauli village, Derabassi. By consolidating waste management efforts within Mohali district, encompassing areas like Mohali city, Derabassi, Banur, Kharar, Kurali, and Nayagaon, the project anticipates handling up to 150 tonnes of waste daily.
Official from Mohali municipal corporation said overcoming previous hurdles to kickstart the project, highlighting the reduced project cost as a pivotal achievement. “After overcoming several challenges over the years, we are now poised to launch the project with a revised budget of Rs 27 crore. This strategic alignment will address the waste management needs exclusively within Mohali district. Previously, the Punjab government had assigned the project to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in 2021, but the corporation withdrew its involvement last year without providing detailed reasons for the decision.
Presently, Mohali grapples with disposing of 150 metric tonnes of garbage daily, managed through an unauthorized dumping ground in Industrial Area, Phase 8B. This arrangement has drawn opposition from local residents and industrial stakeholders due to environmental concerns and operational inefficiencies associated with the current dumpyard. The initiation of tender processes, scheduled to conclude with bids opening on July 30, marks a crucial phase towards selecting a concessionaire for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of the CBG plant. The project’s success hinges on efficient waste segregation, bio-gas production, and sustainable waste management practices tailored to meet Mohali’s growing urban demands.
