Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards sustainable waste management, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has signed an agreement with Nexband Renewables to produce compressed natural gas (CNG) from vegetable waste generated in the city.

The initiative aims to reduce the burden of waste in the capital city while promoting clean energy production through scientific waste processing methods.

Under the agreement, BMC will supply around 50 metric tonnes of vegetable waste daily, although the quantity may vary depending on seasonal availability. The waste will be collected from designated locations across the city and transported by the company to its compressed biogas plant at Begunia.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at the BMC headquarters in the presence of Mayor Sulochana Das, Commissioner Chanchal Rana, and other senior officials and corporators.

BMC is the first urban local body in Odisha to enter into such an agreement for converting wet waste into CNG.

Currently, the civic body processes segregated waste through Micro Composting Centres and Material Recovery Facilities. With this new initiative, efforts are being intensified to adopt advanced and scientific methods to extract energy from organic waste.

The project is expected to significantly reduce the load on the Temporary Transfer Station by diverting biodegradable vegetable waste for processing. It will also streamline waste collection from markets, improving cleanliness in commercial areas while ensuring better utilisation of organic waste.

Authorities added that the initiative will help cut transportation costs and operational challenges related to waste management. It will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting cleaner urban environments, and supporting sustainable resource use.