Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet approved the National Circular Bioenergy Scheme – GOBARdhan, with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore, to catalyse the growth of compressed biogas (CBG).
What It Is
GOBARdhan — Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan — a scheme to raise domestic CBG production almost tenfold through assured offtake, administered pricing, capital subsidies, pipeline infrastructure and easier access to finance.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Outlay | ₹23,731 crore |
| Period | FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36 |
| Administering Ministry | Petroleum and Natural Gas |
| Feedstock | Agricultural residue, cattle dung, sugar industry press mud, municipal organic waste and other biomass |
| Output | CBG, blended into CNG (transport) and PNG (domestic); plus organic manure |
Origin: GOBARdhan was originally launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) in 2018 as a solid and liquid waste management component. It has now been recast as a national clean-energy and circular-economy programme.
Objective
- Convert cattle dung, agricultural residues and other organic waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG) and organic manure.
- Increase domestic CBG production by nearly 10 times.
- Reduce dependence on imported natural gas and strengthen energy security.
- Promote waste-to-wealth and a circular bioeconomy.
- Mobilise large-scale private investment and generate rural employment.
The Six Growth Engines
- Assured CBG offtake — procurement by City Gas Distribution entities.
- Stable, administered CBG pricing.
- Capital assistance for plants.
- Pipeline infrastructure development.
- Credit guarantee support.
- CBG Ecosystem Challenge Fund.
