Punjab government signs a pact with IOC to set up bio-gas and bio-CNG plants

The Punjab government has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to set up bio-gas and bio-CNG plants in the state. The purpose of the MoU is to find sustainable solutions to paddy straw burning. The pact is part of the state’s concerted efforts to find sustainable solutions to paddy straw burning, which has emerged as a major environmental concern. The plants will be set up at a total investment of Rs 5,000 crore. By converting bio-mass to compressed bio-gas and bio-CNG, the plants will take help curb the menace of stubble burning and create additional income to farmers. The project will also create rural employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, besides providing a green organic source of compost for soil enrichment.