The members of a women’s self-help group were felicitated recently for their commendable work in managing and operating a two-ton per day (TPD) biomethanation plant in Udaipur for the last two years. At a ceremony organised by news channel News 91 and supported by Mohan Lal Sukhadiya University, Udaipur, the leader of the SHG group Ms. Nazra Sultana received an award on behalf of her group’s members.
The biomethanation plant, implemented under the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation-funded CapaCITIES project, is a shining example of a project that supports not just climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives, but also empowers vulnerable sections of the population. The plant is providing multidimensional benefits to society, ranging from generating renewable energy through scientific disposal of waste to providing employment opportunities.
The women were made the operational partners of the plant following several consultations with the Udaipur Municipal Corporation (UMC). ICLEI South Asia prepared a model for the long-term sustainability of the plant, under which the women were provided training in operations and maintenance. This has enabled not only a smooth and continuous functioning of the biomethanation plant, but has also helped the women to earn a regular monthly income via the National Urban Livelihoods Mission. The maintenance of the plant is taken care of by the UMC.