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Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) :Kashmir to get first community biogas plant

  • Umer Raina
  • Comments 0
  • 28 Apr 2026

25,000-litre project to turn rural waste into clean energy

Srinagar, Apr 27: The Rural Development Department (RDD) Kashmir has initiated work on a 25,000-litre capacity community biogas plant in Pathribal Rayil Village in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G). The project, set to be the first of its kind to be commissioned in the Kashmir Valley, reflects a growing shift towards eco-friendly technologies that turn rural waste into a reliable source of clean energy.

Officials told Rising Kashmir that the initiative is part of a broader plan to establish one such plant in each district of the Union Territory, with an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh per unit. The plant is being implemented by the Block Development Office, Gund and is expected to serve as a model for decentralised waste management and clean energy generation in rural areas.

Designed with advanced features, the plant will utilise cattle dung collected from local households on a rotational basis. Through anaerobic digestion, the system will produce methane-rich biogas for domestic use along with organic slurry that can be used as nutrient-rich manure in agriculture.

What sets the project apart is the integration of modern technology. The plant is equipped with a thermostatic control system to maintain optimal temperatures, ensuring efficient functioning even during Kashmir’s harsh winters. Additionally, IoT-based sensors will enable real-time monitoring of key parameters such as temperature, gas pressure and pH levels, allowing better management and maintenance.

Once commissioned, the plant is expected to meet the cooking fuel needs of around 10 households, reducing dependence on conventional fuels like LPG and firewood. It will also provide an effective solution for managing cattle waste, thereby improving sanitation and reducing environmental pollution.

An RDD official said the project will promote a circular rural economy by converting waste into useful resources while also supporting organic farming practices. "This initiative aligns with the vision of sustainable development and self-reliant villages by combining community participation with scientific waste management," he said.

The official explained that a community-based model has been adopted for the project, wherein residents will contribute dung and take part in the operation and maintenance of the facility. A user group will be formed to ensure fair distribution of biogas and smooth functioning of the plant, he said.

Several similar projects are being planned across Jammu and Kashmir under SBM-G for 2026–27, according to officials. Alongside biogas initiatives, infrastructure such as Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) and other Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) systems are also being strengthened to ensure scientific handling of waste.

The Ganderbal biogas plant, once operational, is expected to serve as a benchmark for future projects demonstrating the viability of community-driven technology-enabled solutions in high-altitude regions like Kashmir.

 

 

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