Nanganallur bio gas plant non-functional for two months

Chennai: The bio gas plant at Nanganallur set up in 2015 to convert vegetable waste into biogas has been obsolete for the last two months as it was shut down after several leakages. Also a technical glitch in the engine brought down its productivity from 13 kg to 3 kg of gas per day.

 In a move to address severe fuel shortage in Amma canteen on Nehru High Road in Nanganallur, Greater Chennai Corporation had spent Rs15 lakh to construct the plant two years ago. This also ensured efficient disposal of kitchen waste from large eateries in the area.

 “Over 750 kg of vegetable waste would be collected each day for conversion. Amma canteens required an amount of 19 kgs of gas per day, out of which 12.5 kg was supplied by the unit. This also cuts down the cost by a great margin,” said the conservancy supervisor of the zone.

 The official added that the machine after two years only churns the waste but gives no output. This has forced them to shut it down.

 Where does the vegetable waste go now? “Following the unit’s closure, we are sending the waste for composting near Tirusulam. Once, the unit is repaired, it would be used to generate waste again,” said the zonal officer, adding that this has been the most effective way to use the vegetable waste from the eateries and hotels of Nanganallur initially disposed of on roads, attracting flies and emitting a bad odour.

 Currently, officials of the area have sent estimates of Rs 4,63,000 for administrating sanction and they assured that the work would be completed within a couple of months.