MARGAO (GOA): In a bid to power state run buses on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) produced from Garbage treatment plants of Goa, the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar plans to start a trial on three ethanol powered buses in Goa before August 15.

CM Parrikar revealed the plan while speaking at the STP plant inauguration in Margao. Parrikar told press and media that initially three buses will run on trial basis from August 15, initially using the ethanol as fuel to check on modalities. “Maybe by December, regular buses will function on CNG produced at the Saligao treatment plant, and in future, other plants of Goa will too supply CNG to these buses,” told Parrikar.

“It is not affordable to have only three buses on CNG, and presently the trial model will have ethanol which is next best solution,” said Parrikar.

“The DPR for the same is ready, and according to the garbage production and its CNG potential, it is enough to run 200 to 250 buses in Goa,” Chief Minister said.

Parrikar revealed that, “once the trials are done, the government will tender the CNG powered buses and get them functional on Goan roads. The Saligao plant generates 65% CNG and we plan to take that gas and power the buses of the state.”

CM Parrikar reaffirmed that a garbage treatment plant in Pune employs the same technology and produces CNG from the waste which is approved too.

Team TNV