GOBARdhan Scheme

Why in News?

• The GOBARdhan Scheme continues to be promoted as a key initiative for waste-to-wealth, circular economy and clean energy generation in rural India.

Prelims Pointers

• Full Form: Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan).
• Launched: 2018.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation).
• Announced under: Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
• Objective: To convert organic biodegradable waste such as cattle dung, agricultural residue, municipal organic waste and other biodegradable waste into biogas, Compressed Biogas (CBG), bio-slurry and organic manure.
• Aim: Promote clean villages, renewable energy, waste management, circular economy, and additional income for farmers and rural households.
• Major Components:
  • Community Biogas Plants
  • Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants
  • Organic Waste Management
  • Bio-slurry as organic fertilizer
• Benefits:
  • Reduces open dumping and burning of organic waste.
  • Promotes sustainable sanitation.
  • Generates clean fuel and organic manure.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Supports rural livelihoods and the circular economy.
• Related Initiative: SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative for promoting Compressed Biogas (CBG).

UPSC Prelims Practice Question (English)

Q. With reference to the GOBARdhan Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It was launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
2. It aims to convert biodegradable waste into biogas and organic manure.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation

• Statement 1 is Correct.
• Statement 2 is Correct.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation).