THIRUVANANTHAPURAM | An in-principle agreement has been reached with BPCL to set up a plant in Kochi for processing waste and manufacturing compressed biogas, according to Local Self Government Minister MB Rajesh. The decision was taken at a meeting involving Rajesh, Industries Minister P Rajeev and Chief Secretary VP Joy with BPCL representatives.
The plant will be constructed on Government land by BPCL which will also be responsible for maintaining the plant. The company hopes to have the plant operational in a year. It is to be set up in Brahmapuram itself.
Solid waste of Kochi municipal limits and nearby municipalities will be treated at the plant and the natural gas produced will be used by the company. The byproduct organic manure will be marketed. Corporations and municipalities will ensure that the segregated waste is made available to the plant on a daily basis.

Rajesh said the decision was part of the government move to find a lasting solution to the waste problem in Kochi. BPCL had earlier expressed its willingness to provide its CSR funds for setting up a windro compost plant in Kochi. However, it has now come up with the new plant as natural gas will be more environment-friendly. More discussions on the project would be held in the coming days, the Minister added.