Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has announced plans to set up a state-of-the-art horticulture processing plant to manage the city’s horticulture waste. The 60 TPD (tonnes per day) plant will use bio-fuel briquetting technology, which has a high demand and good market value.
The project is estimated to cost Rs 4 crore and will be implemented in three phases. The largest portion of the budget, Rs 2.72 crore, is allocated for operation and maintenance. Civil work will cost Rs 80 lakh, while Rs 40 lakh is reserved for electrical substation work. An additional Rs 5 lakh has been set aside for contingencies.
Currently, about 12 TPD of horticulture waste is processed at the city’s compost pits located at 104 sites inside parks. The waste is turned into compost, but leftover waste is dumped at a designated site in Dadumajra. The new plant will scientifically process this leftover waste, turning it into bio-fuel briquettes.
The process involves collecting the waste, removing impurities, screening for dust, grinding, drying, and compacting it into briquettes. The plant will also generate around 10% inert material, which will be sent to designated disposal areas.
The plant will be located in Industrial Area Phase 2 and is expected to significantly improve the city’s waste management system while promoting sustainable practices.
