India, April 19 -- At a time when the war in West Asia has triggered uncertainty over LPG supplies, an initiative with biogas in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra is showing how an alternative source of fuel can be an option, for some consumers, at least.

The experiment began in 2004, when Dr Prasad Deodhar started promoting biogas through the Bhagirath Gramvikas Pratishthan. In the early days, villagers were hesitant to use gas made from waste, along with financial challenges, lack of trained workers and delays in subsidies. However, continuous awareness campaigns, demonstrations and personal interaction helped build trust.

Now 9,007 biogas plants supply fuel to 276 villages in Sindhudurg, with the initiative reaching three other stat...