Biogas plant frees Gaya village from LPG dependence

Gaya: At a time when rising concerns over LPG shortage and affordability are troubling households across the state, a quiet energy revolution is unfolding in Bataspur village of the Bodh Gaya block in Gaya district.Powered by cow dung and collective community effort, a local biogas plant has freed dozens of families from dependence on LPG cylinders—providing cheaper cooking fuel, steady income from dairy farming, and a rare example of rural self-reliance. The community biogas plant, set up at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh, supplies gas through pipelines to around 35–50 households in the village at nearly half the cost of LPG.The demand for cow dung has also encouraged cattle rearing in the village. At present, villagers supply over 200 litres of milk daily to a dairy cooperative. Even cow dung fetches income at the rate of 50 paise per kilogram.The biogas is priced at Rs 25 per unit. On average, a household consumes about 20 units a month. After accounting for the cost of purchasing cow dung from villagers, the monthly gas expense comes to around Rs 450—almost half the price of an LPG cylinder.Manoranjan Samdarshi, deputy mukhiya of Basadhi panchayat, which comprises seven revenue villages including Bataspur, said the biogas plant—capable of supplying gas to at least 50 households—was established three years ago.“Two JEEVIKA didis— one dung collector— have been engaged by the panchayat to operate the plant. The panchayat body takes care of maintenance and other expenses,” he said.A local committee manages the plant, which requires nearly two tonnes of cow dung every day. “Initially, dung was procured from outside the village. However, as a cost-cutting measure, villagers began rearing cattle themselves, earning income by selling milk as well as dung to the plant. A milk collection centre has also been opened in the village,” Samdarshi added.He said most households still have LPG connections but are no longer anxious about fuel shortages. “If demand for gas increases, dung collection will be stepped up to enhance the plant’s capacity and meet the demand,” he said.Babita Devi, wife of Rajkaran Prasad and a resident of Bataspur, said she has been using biogas for the past three years. “There is no pressure of booking refills or waiting for cylinders. Though I have an LPG connection, it is kept only as a standby option. Biogas is cheaper and more convenient than LPG,” she said.