Nuwakot prison to produce biogas from sewage

The Khampa Camp in Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot, home to Nepal’s largest-capacity central jail, has initiated a project to generate biogas from sewage sludge. This decision follows an on-site inspection by Federal Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav and his team at two sewage construction sites and a waste processing facility in Bidur and Trishuli.

The Central Prison will process sewage collected from various wards of the municipality to promote a clean environment and produce biogas. Minister Yadav expressed his satisfaction with the municipality’s coordination and facilitation of the project and reaffirmed the Ministry of Water Supply’s commitment to its success.

Minister Yadav also monitored the sewage management and biogas production projects in the municipality. He pledged to ensure additional resources and budget for completing the ongoing ‘Bidur Sewerage Construction Project’ and ‘Trishuli Sewerage Construction Project.’

During the inspection, Minister Yadav announced an agreement to manage sewage from Bidur Municipality’s wards and utilize the generated biogas within the central prison. Bidur Municipality will oversee the operation of the sewage treatment and biogas production facilities.

The initiative aims to provide a cleaner environment for Bidur residents through efficient sewage management. A total of 30 ropanis of land, registered under the Prison Office, Nuwakot, will be allocated for constructing the sewage treatment system with biogas capabilities.

According to the decision, parts of plots no 377, 378, 379, and 668—out of a total 645 ropanis registered under the Prison Office—will be utilized for building the sewage treatment plant and associated infrastructure. Approximately 30 ropanis of land located south of plots 378 and 668 will be used for this purpose.

The central prison, located in Bidur Municipality-6, is being developed to accommodate over 7,000 prisoners. The facility will also include a playground, health center, visitor building, security agency building, and other necessary structures. Since its inauguration on 31 Aug 2024, 700 prisoners have been transferred to the Nuwakot central prison from various locations.