Daily Current Affairs : 27-September-2023
The Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan, introduced by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, marks a significant step toward sustainable agricultural practices and waste management in India. With 1,163 biogas plants and 426 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants registered on the portal, the initiative is poised to revolutionize organic farming and waste management practices across the nation.
Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme:
Under the MDA scheme, a robust budget of Rs. 1451.82 Crore spanning three years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26) has been allocated. This initiative not only promotes the production and uptake of organic fertilizers but also acts as a leveller by curbing the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The MDA scheme focuses on two crucial aspects: efficient organic waste management and bolstering soil organic carbon, laying the foundation for sustainable organic farming practices.
Other Enabling Initiatives:
Several initiatives support GOBARdhan’s objectives, including the standardization of bio-slurry, the inclusion of CBG plants in agricultural infrastructure funds, and revisions in plant categorization by the Central Pollution Control Board. Additionally, the revival of the Waste to Energy Scheme by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy contributes significantly to the initiative’s success.
The GOBARdhan Scheme:
Positioned as a national priority under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin-Phase II, GOBARdhan plays a pivotal role in supporting villages to manage cattle and biodegradable waste effectively. It fosters community awareness and ownership, promoting the efficient management of cattle dung, agro residues, and other biodegradable waste. The collaboration between various ministries, state governments, public and private sector institutions, and village communities transforms this initiative into a ‘Jan Andolan’ or people’s movement.
Benefits of GOBARdhan:
- Waste Management: The scheme effectively manages major solid waste in villages, specifically cattle dung, promoting environmental sanitation.
- Health Promotion: GOBARdhan substantially reduces the incidence of vector-borne diseases, enhancing public health in rural areas.
- Employment Opportunities: The initiative generates employment and income opportunities for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and farmers’ groups, empowering local communities economically.
- Organic Manure Production: By generating organic manure, GOBARdhan boosts agriculture and farm productivity, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
- Financial Savings: Households benefit from increased income and savings as biogas usage reduces the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), making energy more affordable for rural families.
Important Points:
- Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan:
- Streamlines registration of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants nationwide.
- 1,163 biogas plants and 426 CBG plants registered on the portal.
- Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme:
- Rs. 1451.82 Crore budget for FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26.
- Promotes organic fertilizer production and uptake.
- Curbs chemical fertilizer overuse, ensures Integrated Nutrient Management.
- Enabling Initiatives:
- Standardization of bio-slurry.
- Inclusion of CBG plants in Agri Infrastructure Fund.
- Revisions in CBG plant categorization by CPCB.
- Revival of Waste to Energy Scheme by MNRE.
- GOBARdhan Scheme:
- Pursued under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin-Phase II.
- Focuses on effective management of cattle and biodegradable waste.
- Promotes community awareness and ownership.
- Collaboration with ministries, state governments, public, and private sectors.
- Benefits of GOBARdhan:
- Manages major solid waste, specifically cattle dung.
- Reduces vector-borne diseases, enhancing public health.
- Generates employment and income opportunities for SHGs/farmers’ groups.
- Produces organic manure, boosting agriculture and farm productivity.
- Promotes financial savings by reducing LPG costs through biogas usage.
Why In News
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has introduced the Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan to simplify the nationwide registration process for Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. This innovative platform not only streamlines the registration procedures but also promotes eco-friendly initiatives, paving the way for a sustainable energy future in the country. By facilitating easy access to information and resources, the portal encourages more entrepreneurs and communities to participate in the CBG revolution, contributing significantly to environmental conservation efforts.
MCQs about GOBARdhan
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What is the primary objective of the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme under GOBARdhan?
A) Promoting chemical fertilizer overuse
B) Curbing organic waste management
C) Promoting production and uptake of organic fertilizers
D) Encouraging deforestation
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What role does the GOBARdhan initiative play in waste management?
A) Managing plastic waste
B) Managing major solid waste, especially cattle dung
C) Managing electronic waste
D) Managing industrial waste
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Which ministry revived the Waste to Energy Scheme, contributing to the GOBARdhan initiative?
A) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
B) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
C) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
D) Ministry of Finance
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