In a move towards self-reliance in clean cooking fuel, around 1,000 tribal households near Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar, close to the Statue of Unity, are adopting biogas plants. Over 600 biogas units are now operational, bringing joy to families who previously relied on traditional methods. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, this initiative aims to reduce reliance on firewood and provide sustainable energy to rural homes.
The installation of biogas plants is progressing rapidly in 89 villages surrounding Ekta Nagar, ensuring smoke-free kitchens for tribal families. The project’s main goal is to promote green energy as a substitute for conventional fuels. Families with a minimum of three livestock animals are being given biogas plants with a capacity of two cubic meters, fully subsidized by the government.
Project Coordinator Dheeraj Bhil mentioned that 1,000 beneficiaries have been chosen to receive the biogas plants at no cost. Each beneficiary is required to input cow dung and water into the plant daily, generating enough gas to cook for a family of 7 to 8 members. This results in saving approximately two LPG cylinders per month on average.
Beneficiaries like Mahesh Tadvi and Sangeeta Tadvi shared their positive experiences with the biogas plants. Mahesh mentioned the convenience of using dung from their livestock for gas production, saving effort previously spent on collecting firewood. Sangeeta highlighted the benefits of not needing to purchase gas cylinders anymore, as the biogas plant also produces organic manure for their fields and gardens.
This initiative not only cuts fuel expenses but also helps in reducing deforestation practices.
