Bhubaneswar: Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra visited the RAMANA Waste-to-Charcoal Plant in Varanasi, also known as the Varanasi Harit Koyla Pariyojana, to study its innovative Zero Residue Green Technology for municipal solid waste management. The plant uses a torrefaction process, a thermochemical treatment that converts waste into torrefied charcoal, a hydrophobic, high-calorific-value fuel that can substitute fossil coal.
This technology has significant environmental benefits, with a 400 TPD plant capable of preventing 13 TPD methane emissions and earning nearly 390 carbon credits. It can also generate 100 TPD of green charcoal, replacing fossil coal and saving 250-290 TPD of carbon emissions. NTPC has adopted this model under its CSR initiative and is successfully using the torrefied charcoal in its thermal power plants.
Dr. Mohapatra praised the initiative, stating that the RAMANA Waste-to-Charcoal plant is a path-breaking model for sustainable solid waste management. He emphasised Odisha’s determination to replicate such innovative technologies in its cities to build a cleaner and greener future. The Minister’s visit marks a step forward in Odisha’s vision to integrate waste-to-energy solutions into urban development and set a national benchmark in climate-friendly municipal governance.
The visit was attended by officials, including Mr. Binaya Ku Dash, Additional Secretary & Mission Director SBM, Odisha; Ashish Ranjan, DGM (WTE) NTPC Varanasi; Omendra Srivastava, Chief Technical Advisor RCUE, MoHUA; and R.C. Niranjan, Zonal Sanitation Officer Varanasi Nagar Nigam. Dr. Mohapatra’s visit highlights the government’s commitment to improving urban living conditions and promoting sustainable development in Odisha.
