Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday inspected India’s first dry digestion-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) project being developed at Bhandewadi, Nagpur’s solid waste management facility. The ambitious project, established by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) in collaboration with Netherlands-based SusBDee, is expected to transform the city’s waste management system while significantly improving environmental conditions.
The inspection was attended by Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Nagpur Mayor Nita Thackeray, legislators Krishna Khopde and Pravin Datke, senior civic officials, and representatives of the project developers.
Speaking after the visit, Fadnavis described the project as a revolutionary initiative for Nagpur’s cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Spread across 30 acres in Bhandewadi, the facility is being commissioned in three phases. The first phase will process 400 tonnes of waste per day, followed by another 400 tonnes in the second phase. By August 2026, the plant is expected to achieve its full capacity of processing 1,200 tonnes of municipal waste daily.
The Chief Minister said the project’s key objective is to scientifically process urban waste and convert it into valuable by-products. Once fully operational, the facility will generate approximately 28 tonnes of compressed biogas per day, 120 tonnes of high-quality organic manure, and around 400 tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), which will be supplied to cement plants and other industries as an alternative fuel source.
A major highlight of the project is that it has been developed entirely through private investment, with an estimated investment of ₹300 crore. Importantly, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation will not have to pay any tipping fee, providing substantial financial relief to the civic body. Fadnavis said the project could serve as a model for cities across India.
Bhandewadi Odour Problem Likely to End Within Months
For years, residents of East Nagpur have struggled with foul odours and massive garbage heaps at the Bhandewadi dumping yard. According to the Chief Minister, the new waste-processing facility is expected to eliminate the odour issue within the next three to four months. He added that all legacy waste mounds are likely to be cleared within a year, freeing up land and reducing environmental degradation.
NMC Commissioner Dr. Vipin stated that the civic administration aims to make Nagpur a dumping-free city within the next two years. During the visit, the dignitaries reviewed the project’s model, inspected the processing tunnel and control room, and participated in a tree plantation drive within the premises.
The project is being seen as a significant step toward making Nagpur cleaner, greener, and more sustainable while setting a benchmark for modern waste-to-energy solutions in India.
