Bihar Trail Day - 2

March 27, 2010

The second day of the yatra began with a heavy and spicy breakfast of chhole puri at the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare (SIHFW), Patna. After having breakfast, the yatris headed towards the Saran district of Bihar to visit the Saran Renewable Energy (SRE) Private Limited. SRE is a biomass based power generation plant located in the Garkha village of Saran district, about 90 km from Patna.

Started in 2007 by a private entrepreneur, SRE is a 150kW power plant that uses dhaincha, wood and saw dust for power generation. The power thus generated is supplied to the houses, small industries and shops in Garkha and Raipura villages. The power is also used to run motor that extracts out ground water used for irrigation by the farmers. Flour mill and roaster are also operated upon using this energy. There are in total 11 employees working in the plant. The equipment was procured from a Bangalore based company called Net Pro that imparted training as well. Dhaincha and wood are sourced from the farmers in the surrounding villages.

Interesting in the case study was the use of dhaincha for power generation, which grows on even waterlogged lands. SRE has promoted the cultivation of dhaincha by distribution of seeds to the farmers of surrounding villages and hence, enhancing the livelihood base of these farmers. Supply of water and electricity to the villagers has also enhanced their livelihoods. Moreover, cultivating dhaincha increases the land fertility. The power generated from dhaincha is of good quality and makes less carbon emission as compared to traditional sources of electricity generation.

Participants liked the idea very much and showed interest in replicating in their areas, especially in the flood affected areas of Bihar where there is still no electricity. SRE too has plans to set up more such plants in Bihar.

On return to Patna, a group discussion was held on the projects visited in the last two days. Participants shared what they saw and learned in the two case studies and how these initiatives could be made better and implemented in their respective areas. The participants were enthusiastic to visit more case studies in the coming days.