Deepak.Yadav@timesofindia.comChandigarh: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has initiated soil testing at the Dadumajra dumpsite to set up a compressed biogas (CBG) plant with a capacity of about 230 tons per day.The testing is part of preparations for the detailed feasibility report (DFR), which IOCL will submit to the MC. Senior MC officials recently met IOCL representatives and technical staff to discuss project details.The DFR will outline construction, finances, infrastructure, design and operational processes. During discussions, MC asked IOCL to expand the plant’s capacity to 250 tons per day. Sources said the project is expected to cost over Rs 100 crore, with IOCL bearing the expenditure and recovering it through sale of CBG.The MC has allotted 10 acres of land for the plant and kept 5 acres reserved for future needs. The facility will also process 30 tons of cow dung daily. IOCL will operate and maintain the plant for 15 years, with two years provided for construction, excluding the 15 years (totalling 17).Wet waste and cow dung will be collected and transported by the MC to the site for daily processing.Chandigarh generates about 200 tons of wet waste daily. Including dry and horticulture waste, the total is around 450–500 tons.Box: On Nov 20, 2025, MC signed an MoU with IOCL to establish the plant under the design-build-finance-operate model. The project includes 33% green belt development, adherence to CPCB norms, and acceptance of up to 10% mixed waste. Officials said the plant will boost waste processing, reduce landfill emissions and cut fossil fuel dependence.Optional Box: Responsibilities of IOCLDesign, finance, construct, operate and maintain the plant.Procure permits and approvalsArrange offtake agreements and transport of CBGEnsure compliance with environmental and safety standardsEnter into lease agreement and bear related charges.Box: Responsibilities of MCProvide 200 TPD segregated wet waste and 30 TPD cow dung free of costLease land for 15 years at Rs 1 per acreFacilitate utilities and infrastructure at IOCL’s costPromote source segregation and ensure supply from bulk generatorsAssist in statutory approvals and apply for subsidies.Box: Joint RolesCoordinate timely execution and commissioningDevelop over 3 acres of green cover near the site, funded by IOCL
