Committed to working towards a greener future, Akshaya Patra has adopted a new

organic waste to biogas system at its Ballari kitchen. Developed by the Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) and licensed to Hyderabad-based Ahuja
Engineering Services, this is a first of its kind one-ton capacity organic waste
anaerobic gas lift reactor (AGR). Capable of generating 120-150 cubic metres of
biogas, the system converts vegetable and food waste to energy. The process also
generates good quantities of organic manure.
Akshaya Patra's Chief Projects Officer, R Madan said that with the support of the
Tata Trust, Akshaya Patra aims to adopt similar technologies across all of its
kitchens. "We plan to serve 5 million meals in the country in the future with the
active support of State Governments. To sustain such large operations, we are
looking for green technologies that could help us replace LPG as fuel," he adds.
Madan says that Akshaya Patra has placed orders for 1.5-ton organic waste-tobiogas units for its Ahmedabad and Hubballi kitchens. Speaking about plans to
adopt Green technologies, Madan said that Akshaya Patra will be installing an AGR
at its upcoming kitchen in Varanasi, besides other large kitchens.
Shruti Ahuja, Director and Business Head at Ahuja Engineering Services said they
would complete the installation of the second plant with higher capacity at the
Foundation's kitchen in Ahmedabad this year. "It is very likely that the similar
system or its higher configuration could be considered for its other kitchens spread
across the country," she said.
"Over time all our kitchens will be equipped with biogas units. This is part of our Go
Green initiatives," said Madan.

Indian NGO, Akshaya Patra has adopted a new organic waste to biogas system at its
Ballari kitchen as a part of its Go Green initiative. The organization firmly believes
in ensuring complete welfare of the society. It has adopted various eco-friendly
initiatives and measures to safeguard earth from the fatal issue of environmental
degradation. The organization highlights that with the deteriorating environmental
conditions, there arises a dire need to keep a check on the environmental practices
and ensure appropriate measures to combat this major concerning issue. Earth Day
is a modern environmental movement which strives to eliminate the issues of
environmental degradation. It is celebrated on 22nd April across the world, to
increase awareness among the people regarding the plight of the environment and
escalating issues of its degradation.
The Biogas system adopted by Akshaya Patra is the most effective and proven
processes, which converts organic waste into energy. This Bio Gas plant processes

1,000 Kg of kitchen waste per day that includes vegetable rejects, cooked food
waste, replacing LPG. On an average this technology helps the organization save
around three LPG cylinders per day. Besides converting vegetable wastes and
cooked food wastes and rejects into LPG it also generates large volumes of enriched
organic manure through anaerobic fermentation, which can supplement or even
replace chemical fertilizers.
The official spokesperson of Akshaya Patra stated that, We have also installed a
similar Biogas plant in its Vasanthapura kitchen in Bengaluru. This plant produces
1,400 kilograms of Biogas monthly that is equal to 700 kilograms of LPG. Hence
approximately Rs 38,500 is saved every month towards LPG purchase. Besides
reducing cost towards purchasing LPG, it also helps in eco-friendly handling of food
wastages approximately 20 metric tonne every month.