Bio-gas based power plant inaugurated

First such plant by a municipal body in India

Union Rural Development Minister Kashiram Rana inaugurated the Surat Municipal Corporation's (SMC) bio gas based power plant at the Anjana Sewage Treatment Plant here on Saturday.

Incidentally, the Rs 260 lakh plant is the first of its kind to be set up by a civic body in the country. "This is indeed another feather in the cap of Surat," Rana said dedicating the power plant and the sewage pumping station.

The bio gas based power project, which would generate about 3,500 to 4,500 units of power per day using the sludge from the sewage plant, was sanctioned in 2002 at a total capital outlay of Rs. 260.46 lakh.

The SMC has received 50 per cent of the total cost as a grant from the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources. Equipment for the power plant was imported from Spain.

Rana underlined the importance of harnessing modern technology for overall development. Snehlatabahen Chauhan, the city Mayor, said the SMC would now save around Rs 4 lakh in electricity charges.

She also claimed that the Limbayat-Dumbhal area where the power plant is situated, has been brought under the new drainage network.

Deputy Mayor Kalyanbhai Kanani, standing committee chairman Shankerbhai Chevli and leader of the opposition Babubhai Rayka were also present. SMC gutter committee chairperson Beenabahen Brahma proposed a vote of thanks.