Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 11 Jul: In a step towards sustainable biomass utilisation, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun, hosted a training programme, titled “Demonstration of Lantana Camara Biomass Pelletization” on 10 July. The training imparted as a part of the “Mapping, Monitoring, and Management of Lantana Camara Biomass Through its Utilisation for Improving the Livelihood of People in Forest Fringe Villages of India” project funded by Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Dr Sudip K Ganguly, Director (Acting) of CSIR-IIP, welcomed the participants and felicitated the trainers and distinguished guest Dr Thallada Bhaskar, Director of CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal, who is instrumental in launching the project activities at CSIR-IIP. The Acting Director also highlighted how biomass pelletisation can be a useful source for sustainable power generation ranging from kitchen to power plants thereby reducing carbon footprints. The event highlighted a strong collaboration between institutions aimed at addressing ecological challenges through science-driven solutions.
The event started with an inspiring overview of the project by Dr Rajasekaran A, National Coordinator of the “Mapping, Monitoring, and Management of Lantana Camara Biomass through its Utilisation for Improving the Livelihood of People in Forest Fringe Villages of India” project funded by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This was followed by an engaging session by Subhash Chandra, retired DFO and entrepreneur, who shared real-world pelletisation success stories from Dhumakot, Uttarakhand, highlighting grassroots innovation and livelihood opportunities.
Adding a research dimension, Dr Ritesh Kumar and Dr Manish Ranjan from ICFRE-IWST, Bengaluru, presented a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of processing invasive plant biomass, emphasising its untapped potential for eco-friendly applications and rural empowerment. A major highlight of the programme was the live demonstration of Lantana biomass pelletisation by Jaydeep Uniyal, Project Associate, CSIR-IIP, along with other team members of the Material Resource Efficiency Division. They walked participants through the step-by-step process—from feedstock preparation to final pellet production, making the science come alive with hands-on learning. Participants left inspired and better equipped to implement pelletisation strategies. The training programme provided an opportunity of hands-on training and awareness about the ecological threat of Lantana Camara, while highlighting its potential as a renewable energy resource. With strong participation and expert guidance, the event was a significant step toward turning ecological challenges into green opportunities.
The event was spearheaded by the project in charge, Dr VCS Palla and the Training in charge, Prem Chand Nerusu, and brought together leading experts, field practitioners, and over 50 enthusiastic participants from Gomathi Ajeevika Swayam Sahayaka Samooh and Umeed Swayak Sahakarika Sangh to explore innovative ways of transforming an invasive species into a valuable resource.
