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MMC, IOCL sign MoU to set up compressed biogas plant for scientific waste processing

The MoU, signed at the MC Office, marks a significant push toward scientific waste processing, reducing landfill burden, and promoting renewable energy in the city.

biogasThe Chandigarh MC cracked down on improper waste disposal at Sector 37 C and Dhanas EWS Flats, issuing challans worth Rs 26,802, officials said.

The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh (MCC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a state-of-the-art Segregated Organic Municipal Solid Waste (SOMSW)-based Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant at Daddumajra under the Design-Build- Finance-Operate (DBFO) model.

The MoU, signed at the MC Office, marks a significant push toward scientific waste processing, reducing landfill burden, and promoting renewable energy in the city.

The agreement was formalised for MCC by Chief Engineer CB Ojha and for IOCL by Dr Ajit Thakur.

Under the collaboration, the MMC will supply 200 TPD of segregated organic waste and 30 TPD of cow dung, while IOCL will design, construct, finance and operate the CBG plant. Additionally, the MCC will provide 10 acres at the Dadumajra Dumping Ground on a nominal lease. The project also includes 33 per cent green belt development, adherence to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms and acceptance of up to 10 per cent mixed unsegregated waste.

Officials on both sides emphasised the plant would strengthen Chandigarh’s environmental goals by improving waste processing capacity, reducing landfill emissions and lowering dependence on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to the city’s long-term vision for sustainable development.

Hina Rohtaki is a Special Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. She is one of the most prominent journalists covering the Chandigarh Administration, civic issues, and the unique political status of the Union Territory. Professional Background Experience: She has been in the field for over a decade and is known for her investigative reporting on administrative waste and urban governance. Awards: She is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, which was presented to her by the President of India in January 2020. She was also awarded the Jethmalani prize (The Will of Steel Awards) in 2025 in the Empowerment category for a series of articles that highlighted the struggles of Covid widows. Core Beat: Her primary focus is the Chandigarh administrative structure, the Union Territory's financial management, and urban development projects. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent work highlights a focus on government accountability, administrative expenditures, and civic trends: 1. Investigative & Financial Reporting "Fuelling power: Senior UT IAS officers guzzled petrol worth Rs 30 lakh in 2 yrs" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative report detailing the high fuel bills of top bureaucrats, including the Finance Secretary and Chief Secretary’s staff. "Admn spends Rs 1.5 crore on dismantling road railings and fixing again after increasing height" (Dec 8, 2025): Highlighting administrative waste on "non-viable" solutions for pedestrian control. "Chandigarh’s finances under ministry’s watch now" (Nov 27, 2025): Reporting on the new requirement for MHA approval for all new projects in the UT. 2. Governance & Constitutional Status "What will it mean for Chandigarh if it is brought under Article 240?" (Nov 24, 2025): An "Explained" piece on the potential constitutional shift that would grant the President more power over the UT's governance. "MP Manish Tewari moves Bill seeking directly elected Mayor with 5-year tenure" (Dec 6, 2025): Covering the legislative push to reform Chandigarh's municipal leadership structure. "No proposal to increase Mayor's term in Chandigarh by 5 years: Centre" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on the Union government's response to demands for a longer mayoral term. 3. Urban Infrastructure & Environment "Chandigarh admn cuts power to India's tallest air purifier, asks firm to dismantle it" (Nov 17, 2025): A critical report on the failure of a high-cost environmental project deemed "of no use" by experts. "UT rethinks 24/7 water supply project as costs soar" (Nov 26, 2025): Detailing the financial challenges and delays in modernizing the city's water network. "Centre 'obfuscating, covering up' MC's shifting deadlines for clearing Dadu Majra dump" (Dec 12, 2025): Reporting on the ongoing controversy surrounding the city's major waste dump. 4. Lifestyle & Local Trends "Chandigarh turns into a Thar city as women fuel the surge" (Dec 2, 2025): A feature on a unique automotive trend in the city, with a record 600 registrations by women drivers this year. "After fivefold spike in 2023, EV sales struggle to pick pace in Chandigarh" (Dec 2, 2025): Analyzing the slowdown in electric vehicle adoption despite previous surges. Signature Beat Hina is known for her meticulous tracking of RTI (Right to Information) data to expose administrative inefficiency. Her "Ground Zero" reporting on the Dadu Majra garbage dump and her scrutiny of the Chandigarh Smart City projects have made her a key figure in the city’s civil society discourse. X (Twitter):  @HinaRohtaki ... Read More

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