In the bustling market of Telangana, one can find the largest vegetable market, Bowenpally. But the market was facing a growing problem – mounting waste and skyrocketing electricity and fuel bills. In 2020, the Telangana Agriculture Market Department embarked on a green journey, investing nearly three crores in a state-of-the-art Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant.
Transforming Organic Waste into Valuable Fuel
Covering a sprawling 23 acres, the Bowenpally market produces a whopping 15 to 20 lakh kilograms of waste every day, roughly equivalent to 2,000 metric tons. This organic waste, thanks to an anaerobic digester, gets converted into useful energy. Each day, the plant generates 30 kilograms of LPG and 300 units of electricity from the waste, turning it into a valuable resource.
Illuminating the Market and Beyond
This newfound electricity not only powers the market’s administrative building but also lights up the entire market area, with over 100 streetlights and 170 shops benefiting from it. That’s not all; the market’s canteen kitchen, using biofuel, cooks meals for around 800 people daily. According to officials, the market used to consume approximately 3.5 lakh rupees’ worth of electricity before. Now, it’s closer to 2.5 lakh rupees, all thanks to the plant.
A Cleaner and Greener Telangana
The benefits extend beyond cost savings. The waste dumping has drastically reduced, leading to significant savings in transportation expenses. Furthermore, the city has become cleaner and more hygienic. Additionally, there has been a noticeable decline in diseases, thanks to the improved sanitation.
A Step Towards Sustainability
With eight dedicated employees, the plant operates efficiently and costs roughly three lakh rupees each month to run. It’s not just a win for the market but a remarkable step towards sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This Telangana’s vegetable market is setting an example of how innovation and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.
Conclusion
This vegetable market’s journey from a waste-heavy, high-cost market to an eco-friendly, self-sustaining one is a remarkable tale of transformation. By turning organic waste into valuable energy, the market not only benefits financially but also contributes to a cleaner and greener city. This initiative serves as a model for the rest of the country, highlighting the potential for sustainable practices in our daily lives.
