Bioreactor technology to convert solid waste to fuel to run machines; method to ensure ground water and air remains pollution-free
Mumbai : The BMC has kick-started a project to convert solid waste into biogas at its Kanjurmarg dumping ground. This is the first-of-its-kind project in the country that will use bioreactor technology to convert solid waste to fuel as a source of energy to run machines.
The BMC began this pilot project in March this year on a trial basis. It plans to set up seven such reactors, of which it set up one for trial. Following the successful use of the first one, the BMC will soon start work on the six other reactors.
The BMC initially resorted to open air decomposition of garbage at Kanjurmarg. However, this method generated extremely foul odour inconveniencing the residents of the vicinity.
In the case of the bioreactor, the civic body has ensured that it is encased and compounded on all sides so that the odour does not escape the reactor. The encasement will also ensure that the ground water in the area as well as the air will remain pollution-free.
Around 9,500 metric tons of waste is generated in Mumbai every day, of which 3,000 metric tons is dumped at the Kanjurmarg dumping ground. The first reactor has the capacity of consuming 12,00,000 metric tons of waste of which it can hold up to 3,000 metric tons per day.
Based on this calculation, one reactor can function continuously for 400 days. Beyond this, the civic body will begin to use the second reactor, for another 400 days. Each reactor will be reused only every seven years.
The BMC has made 141 hectares of land available for this project of which 52 hectares fall in the CRZ-1 zone and 23 hectares falls under mangrove land, leaving around 65 hectares actually available for use.
