Gobardhan Scheme: Revolutionizing Waste Management

What is the Gobardhan Scheme?

The Gobardhan Scheme is a national initiative launched by the Indian government to tackle waste management issues by converting cattle dung and organic waste into valuable resources. This scheme aims to create a sustainable model for waste management and resource recovery by producing compost, biogas, and bio-CNG. It is part of a broader effort to enhance rural sanitation and promote renewable energy sources.

What are the benefits?

• Cleaner Villages: The scheme contributes to improved cleanliness in rural areas by effectively managing waste, thus reducing environmental pollution and health hazards.
• Additional Income for Farmers: Farmers can economically benefit through the sale of compost and bio-CNG produced from the collected waste, providing a supplementary income stream.
• Reduced Pollution: By processing organic waste into eco-friendly products, the scheme helps lower pollution levels associated with untreated waste.
• Renewable Energy Generation: The biogas and bio-CNG produced serve as renewable energy sources, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
• Improved Sanitation: Converting waste into useful products helps maintain better hygiene and sanitation standards in rural areas.

How does it promote a circular economy?

The Gobardhan Scheme supports the principles of a circular economy by effectively recycling organic waste into valuable products. This process minimizes resource depletion by converting waste into resources, thereby reducing the environmental footprint associated with waste disposal and resource extraction. By creating a closed-loop system where waste is continuously repurposed, the scheme encourages sustainable practices and reduces overall environmental impact.

What is the government’s investment in this scheme?

The Indian government has committed an investment of Rs. 10,000 crore to the Gobardhan Scheme. This substantial funding is aimed at establishing 500 new “waste to wealth” plants across the country. These plants will be equipped to handle large volumes of organic waste, thus scaling up the scheme’s impact and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main objective of the Gobardhan Scheme?
Answer: The main objective of the Gobardhan Scheme is to effectively manage waste by converting cattle dung and organic waste into compost, biogas, and bio-CNG, promoting sustainability and rural sanitation.

Q2. How does the Gobardhan Scheme benefit farmers?
Answer: Farmers benefit economically from the Gobardhan Scheme through the sale of compost and bio-CNG, which serve as additional income sources from the organic waste collected.

Q3. What is the significance of renewable energy in this scheme?
Answer: Renewable energy, specifically biogas and bio-CNG, generated from the Gobardhan Scheme reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a cleaner environment and sustainable energy solutions.

Q4. How does the scheme promote environmental sustainability?
Answer: The Gobardhan Scheme promotes environmental sustainability by recycling organic waste into useful products, thus minimizing pollution and reducing the ecological footprint of waste disposal.

Q5. What is the government's financial commitment to the Gobardhan Scheme?
Answer: The Indian government has invested Rs. 10,000 crore in the Gobardhan Scheme to establish 500 waste to wealth plants, enhancing its effectiveness and reach across the country.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary goal of the Gobardhan Scheme?
A) To increase urban waste management
B) To convert organic waste into energy
C) To reduce plastic pollution
D) To promote urban cleanliness
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How much has the Indian government invested in the Gobardhan Scheme?
A) Rs. 5,000 crore
B) Rs. 10,000 crore
C) Rs. 15,000 crore
D) Rs. 20,000 crore
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What type of energy does the Gobardhan Scheme produce?
A) Solar energy
B) Wind energy
C) Biogas and bio-CNG
D) Hydropower
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Which product is NOT produced by the Gobardhan Scheme?
A) Compost
B) Bio-CNG
C) Plastic waste
D) Biogas
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: How does the Gobardhan Scheme contribute to rural sanitation?
A) By reducing the number of farmers
B) By recycling plastic waste
C) By converting waste into useful products
D) By promoting industrial waste management
Correct Answer: C