State-of-the-art pyrolysis plant in Nabarangpur lies defunct, govt apathy alleged

Eighteen months after its inauguration, a government-funded pyrolysis plant in Nabarangpur's Umerkote stands idle, leaving equipment worth lakhs to rust amid alleged government neglect, presenting a sorry state of affairs in a fresh New Year.

The plant, located within the Umerkote Agricultural Park, was developed under the National Agriculture Development Scheme through which the central government invested approximately Rs 50 lakh for its establishment.

Once hailed as a major milestone for the agricultural district as well as a potential source of employment for locals, the plant has fallen into complete disrepair.

On-site visuals showed expensive machinery inside the plant covered in dust while some even showed signs of rust. Meanwhile, wild grass and overgrowth have taken over the plant premises, turning into an abandoned site.

“A state-of-the-art pyrolysis plant was dedicated to Nabarangpur district but the previous state government did not take any steps to make it operational. Plans were made but never became a reality,” claimed Kuruma Rao, a local resident.

The pyrolysis plant was installed to convert agricultural waste or biomass like twigs, husks, straw, and corn residues into biogas or cooking gas, organic fertilizers, and pitch, making it immensely beneficial and economical for the native population of farmers, but the plant's non-functionality has rendered it useless.

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Notably, the central government aimed to strengthen women's financial stability through the Mission Shakti initiative. However, local farmers criticized the previous administration's alleged inaction while also urging the current government to make the plant operational.

“The pyrolysis plant has been lying non-functional for at least one and a half years. Had the previous government called on SHG groups to run the plant, it would have helped the region financially,” said Jayanti Bisoyi, a member of a local Self-Help Group.

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As of now, the plant falls under the management purview of ORMAS (Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society). Speaking to OTV, on the worrying state of the expensive plant, Uma Mahesh, the district head of ORMAS stated that an investigation will be conducted into the matter and the plant will be made active soon.

“We will look into the matter and send a proposal to the district administration to allow SHG groups to make the plant active again,” he assured.