Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, have developed an innovative technology that converts discarded temple flower waste into Bio-CNG, organic compost and eco-friendly havan material, offering a sustainable solution to religious waste management. The research has received an Indian patent (IN595095 B1), marking a significant milestone in clean energy innovation and circular economy practices.
The research was carried out by the School of Biochemical Engineering at IIT BHU under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Abhishek Suresh Dhoble, with PhD researcher Kailash Pati Pandey playing a key role in the project. Inspired by the sight of flower offerings from temples being dumped into garbage or water bodies around the ghats of Varanasi, the team sought to transform what is traditionally treated as waste into a valuable renewable resource.
The patented technology uses a controlled biological process to convert floral waste into biogas, which is then purified and compressed into Bio-CNG. The clean fuel can be used for household cooking, industrial applications and CNG-powered vehicles, while the remaining organic residue is processed into organic compost and havan materials, ensuring that almost every component of the floral waste is put to productive use.
According to the researchers, the innovation follows the principles of a circular economy, where waste generated from religious activities is recycled into clean energy and reusable products instead of contributing to environmental pollution. Besides reducing waste dumped into rivers and landfills, the technology also preserves the religious sentiments associated with temple offerings by converting them into products that can once again be used in spiritual practices.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, Kailash Pati Pandey said the idea emerged after seeing flowers offered with devotion lying in garbage heaps along the ghats of Kashi. He explained that the team believed these flowers should be viewed as a valuable resource rather than waste, leading to years of research that ultimately resulted in the patented technology.
IIT BHU Director Prof. Amit Patra congratulated the research team and said the innovation demonstrates the institute’s commitment to developing science-based solutions for real-world challenges. He noted that the technology supports national initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission by integrating waste management, environmental conservation and clean energy generation into a single sustainable model.
Researchers estimate that, if implemented on a city-wide scale, Varanasi could produce over 350 kilograms of compressed Bio-CNG every day from floral waste generated at temples and religious sites. Beyond producing renewable energy, the project also has the potential to create employment opportunities in flower collection, waste processing, compost production and manufacturing of eco-friendly havan materials.
Experts believe the model can be replicated across major pilgrimage destinations in India, helping religious cities reduce environmental pollution, improve waste management and strengthen local clean energy production. As India continues to promote sustainable development and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the IIT BHU innovation is being viewed as an important step towards transforming faith-based waste into a valuable source of green energy.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, unintentional errors or omissions may occur. Readers are encouraged to verify important information through official sources.
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