Bihar Trail Day - 1

The first day of the Bihar trail started with an inaugural ceremony at the Tilothu Mahila Mandal (TMM) Building Centre in the Indra village, Rohtas district of Bihar. Present were the participants, basin-SA representatives, CRS and MPA representatives and TMM representatives. Dr. A.K. Principal. R.S. College, Tilothu was the guest of honour. Ms. Ranjana Sinha, Chairperson, TMM welcomed all the participants and guests. The yatra was formally inaugurated with the lighting of lamp by Dr. A.K. Singh, Ms. Ranjana Sinha and Mr. Rizwan. This was followed by a lively cultural programme organized by the TMM.

Addressing the participants and guests, Mr. Arun Kumar from CRS discussed how the issues of housing and climate change are related and why there is a need to work on the alternate technologies. Mr. Ranjeet Sinha, Founder, TMM briefly discussed about the Indira Awas Yojana and housing issues in rural Bihar. He shared with the participants the target of Bihar Government as 1.7 million rural houses and how the alternate technologies can play an important role in achieving this mission.  

After the initial setting of discussions around the housing issues, Rizwan from basin-SA made a presentation on the aim and objectives of yatra and its genesis. The past experiences from the yatra and future plans were discussed. This was followed by the sharing of experiences by Mr. Eklavya Prasad of Megh Pyne Abhiyan.

Mr. Ranjeet Sinha shared about the origin of the TMM and the journey thereafter. After having the food, deliciously prepared by the TMM members, the participants visited the building centre where they were briefed about the various low carbon technologies by Mr. Ranjeet Sinha. These included mud blocks and hollow concrete blocks for walling, and circular and rectangular concrete blocks for columns, and MCR, FC channels and filler slabs for roofing. The participants also visited the school and college constructed using these technologies. 

On the way back back to Patna, a visit was made to the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, which was worth reaching back at 12 and having late dinner.

Looking forward to the coming days!!

Geetika Anand