TIRUMALA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is set to begin compressed biogas (CBG) production in Tirumala in July, using food waste generated by the Mathrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Nithya Anna Prasadam Complex and other TTD-run establishments. The project, which aims to produce 1,500 kg of biogas per day, will address both waste management and energy needs.
The biogas plant, currently under construction at Kakula Thippa, will be capable of processing 50 tonnes of food and wet waste daily. The total cost for establishing the plant is Rs 12 crore, with TTD contributing Rs 5.85 crore and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) providing the remaining Rs 6 crore through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The Central government had assigned IOCL to assess the energy potential from Tirumala’s waste, and it was determined that biogas generation could reach 1,500 kg per day. It is worth noting that the daily gas requirement for TTD institutions in Tirumala is between 3,500 and 4,500 kg.
Tirumala generates thousands of tonnes of wet and dry waste, including legacy waste accumulated over the past 40 years. The Anna Prasadam Complex alone produces 30 tonnes of food waste, five tonnes of leafy waste, and five tonnes of vegetable, fruit, and flower waste.
5-day immunoglobulin treatment for GBS cases
As of February 15, Andhra Pradesh has reported 17 GBS cases. Special Chief Secretary (Health, Medical, and Family Welfare) MT Krishna Babu stated that major institutions like King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada GGH, Guntur GGH, and Kurnool GGH treat 10 to 15 GBS cases requiring intensive care every month.
These hospitals offer immunoglobulin treatment for severe cases, with a five-day course costing between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh. The treatment is covered under the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva for eligible patients.
Dismissing concerns of a localised outbreak, Krishna Babu assured that there is no cluster of cases in any particular region.
Following the directives of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the Andhra Pradesh Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) has taken steps to ensure the availability of immunoglobulin at central drug stores across the State. He urged the public not to panic and advised people to stay vigilant for symptoms of GBS, seeking immediate medical attention at the nearest government hospital if any symptoms appear.
