Why in the News?

Recently, Union Minister for Jal Shakti has launched the Unified Registration Portal for GOBARdhan.

About GOBARdhan Initiative:

• GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) initiative was launched in 2018.
• Aim:
• The primary goal of the initiative is to convert waste to wealth by promoting a circular economy.
• Nodal Ministry:
• The GOBARdhan Initiative is under the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Gobardhan is an integral part of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) Phase II, focusing on Solid Waste Management.
• Objectives:
• To assist villages in safely managing their cattle and agricultural waste, leading to cleaner villages.
• To help communities convert cattle and organic waste into wealth using treatment systems.
• To transform organic waste, especially cattle waste, into biogas and organic manure for utilization in rural areas.
• To promote environmental sanitation and control vector-borne diseases by effectively disposing of waste in rural regions.
• To create employment and income-generation opportunities in rural areas by involving entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and youth groups in setting up, operating, and managing GOBARdhan units.
• Financial Incentive:
• The Government of India provides technical assistance and financial support of up to 50 lakhs for each district to achieve the safe disposal of cattle and organic waste as part of the initiative.