Gandhinagar, March 28 (NationPress) The Shrimati Manekba Vinay Vihar Educational Complex, located near Adalaj in Gandhinagar, has successfully achieved self-sufficiency in cooking gas, enabling the preparation of more than 500 meals each day through biogas generated on-site.

This institution, overseen by the Vasumati Charitable Trust, operates two biogas facilities with a total capacity of 90 cubic metres per day.

The biogas plants utilize cow dung sourced from the trust’s cowshed, which accommodates 222 cows, along with organic waste from the kitchen and local fields.

Rahul Patel, the institution's manager, mentioned, “Thanks to the Gujarat government’s ‘Institutional Biogas Plant Scheme’, we have transitioned to self-reliance in cooking gas. The cows produce ample dung, and the slurry generated after biogas production is utilized as organic fertilizer in our fields, promoting entirely organic farming.”

He further elaborated, “Without the biogas plant, we would need around 30 LPG cylinders each month, but we currently do not require any. The slurry also removes our dependence on chemical fertilizers.”

The hostel hosts about 250 students, providing meals twice daily, and caters to around 15 staff families residing on campus.

Under the Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) scheme, institutions can access subsidies for biogas plants with capacities ranging from 25 to 85 cubic metres per day.

Non-profit organizations can receive up to 75 percent of the installation costs, while profit-generating entities are eligible for 50 percent.

In the last five years, 193 institutional biogas plants have been set up throughout Gujarat, boasting a combined capacity of 13,955 cubic metres per day.

For the financial year 2026-27, plans are in place to establish about 60 additional plants under the scheme, with a total funding provision of Rs 12 crore.

Biogas is generated through the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly cooking fuel.

The resultant slurry is rich in nitrogen, proving to be an efficient organic fertilizer that fosters sustainable agriculture.

Officials from GEDA have emphasized that the scheme promotes energy independence, minimizes environmental pollution, and encourages the scientific use of biological waste produced in gaushalas, animal shelters, educational institutions, and charitable trusts across Gujarat.

This initiative is a testament to Gujarat’s commitment to alternative energy solutions under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, reflecting the state’s dedication to sustainable development and clean energy alternatives.