In the remote village of Bhingrada, nestled in the picturesque Ladhiya Valley of Uttarakhand, a remarkable initiative is taking shape – one that aims to conserve the region’s precious forests and uplift local women’s lives. At the heart of this endeavor lies the innovative use of wood ash, transforming it into fuel briquettes, and the crucial role played by KisanSabha in ensuring the smooth transportation of these eco-friendly products.
The brainchild of U-Coast, the nodal agency of the Model District Champawat, Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology, this pioneering project has set out to tackle the dual challenges of forest fires and economic empowerment. By converting wood ash, a byproduct of forest fires, into fuel briquettes, the initiative not only reduces the risk of further forest degradation but also provides a sustainable livelihood opportunity for the women of Bhingradia.
The journey began with a workshop and demonstration inaugurated by Prof. Durgesh Pant, Director General of U-Coast, and Harendra Singh Bisht, Director of the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP). Their vision was clear: creating a powerful medium of rural economic growth while safeguarding the region’s ecological treasures.
During the inauguration, Prof. Pant emphasized the multifaceted benefits of this endeavor, stating, “By making fuel briquettes from Pirut (wood ash), it will not only be possible to save the forests, but it will also provide employment to women.” His words resonated deeply, echoing the project’s commitment to empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable practices.
The initiative quickly gained momentum, with women’s groups actively collecting Pirut and transforming it into fuel briquettes. The District Forest Officer, RC Kandpal, played a pivotal role in supporting these groups by purchasing their collected Pirut at a rate of Rs 500 per quintal, providing them with a steady income stream.
In the primary phase, the women collected an impressive two quintals of Pirut, resulting in a substantial profit of Rs 1 lakh for their group. However, the success of this endeavor hinged on the availability of reliable transportation to ensure the timely delivery of their products.
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Enter KisanSabha, the revolutionary app that has become a game-changer for rural communities across India. With its user-friendly interface and innovative logistics solutions, KisanSabha provided the women of Bhingradia with the much-needed transportation support they required.
Neha Chaudhary, the Sub Divisional Forest Officer, and Forest Range Officer Himalaya Singh Tolia, along with Pati BD Shri Subhash Lohani, recognized the importance of efficient logistics and turned to KisanSabha for assistance. Through the app, the women were able to secure same-day transportation services, ensuring that their goods reached their intended destinations on time.
The impact of KisanSabha’s involvement in this eco-friendly initiative cannot be overstated. By addressing the logistical challenges faced by the women’s groups, the app played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and successful implementation of the project.
District Magistrate Navneet Pandey, recognizing the significance of this endeavor, expressed the district administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting the initiative at every level. “We will make every effort to make this initiative to save forests successful,” he stated, underscoring the importance of preserving the region’s valuable forest wealth.
The success of the Bhingrada initiative has not only demonstrated the power of sustainable practices and women’s empowerment but has also highlighted the transformative potential of technology in rural areas. Kisan Sabha’s involvement has proven that innovative solutions can bridge gaps and empower communities, even in the most remote corners of the country.
As the initiative continues to gain momentum, the women of Bhingrada stand as shining examples of resilience, determination, and environmental stewardship. Their journey serves as a testament to the fact that sustainability and economic empowerment can go hand in hand, paving the way for a brighter future for both the community and the precious forests they call home.
Through the collaborative efforts of U-Coast, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, the district administration, and the invaluable support of KisanSabha, the Bhingrada initiative has become a beacon of hope, inspiring other rural communities to embrace eco-friendly practices and harness the power of technology to overcome logistical barriers.
In the words of Prof. Durgesh Pant, “This initiative will not only save forests from forest fires but will also simplify people’s lives and strengthen their economic condition.” With KisanSabha as a reliable partner, the women of Bhingrada are well on their way to realizing this vision, one briquette at a time.
