Lucknow to Pioneer Rural Clean Energy with 2250 Biogas Plants
Lucknow is set to become a pioneering hub for rural clean energy with the launch of an ambitious pilot project. The state government announced plans to establish 2,250 biogas plants in villages across Ayodhya, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Gonda districts under the Chief Minister’s Gram-Urja Model. This initiative marks a significant stride towards empowering rural households with accessible and affordable fuel, aiming to reduce dependence on traditional piped gas and promote sustainable practices directly within farming communities.
A government spokesperson stated that if this pilot proves successful, the initiative is earmarked for a substantial expansion, targeting 2.50 lakh rural households over the next four years. Each biogas unit carries an estimated cost of Rs 39,300, but farmers will only be required to pay a minimal Rs 3,990. The remaining substantial portion of the cost will be subsidised through government support and an innovative carbon credit model, a funding mechanism that has already received formal approval from the department of environment, forest, and climate change, ensuring widespread accessibility.
Further integrating environmental sustainability with rural employment, the state government intends to develop new cow shelters under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). In its initial phase, 43 ‘gaushalas’ will be equipped with both biogas and manure production units. Each shelter is projected to yield approximately 50 quintals of nutrient-rich slurry monthly, which will be made readily available to nearby farmers, promoting circular economy principles and reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers.
Shyam Bihari Gupta, chairperson of the UP Gau Seva Commission, highlighted the transformative economic and environmental benefits. He estimated an approximate 70% reduction in LPG usage for rural kitchens, leading to substantial savings for families. This project signifies a robust commitment to energy independence, contributing to zero net carbon goals by transforming organic waste into clean energy, enhancing public health, and fostering self-reliance among rural communities.
