Converting waste into cooking fuel

Tribune News Service

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Solan, May 6

Dr Sudhir Syal and Dr Ashish Kumar from Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat in the district, fabricated a unique biogas digester that uses waste food, vegetable refuse and agricultural residue. It can be used as a substitute for LPG.

Dr Syal said the design was originally developed at the Appropriate Rural Technology Institute in Maharashtra and first of its kind digester for schools had been designed by them. One such device had been installed at Government Primary School at Pooghat-Bani in the district. It would provide them about 30 to 40 minutes of fuel on a daily basis to cook midday meal and it would substantially bring down the LPG usage, he said.

The research was funded by the HP Council for Science Technology and Environment, Shimla. Dr Aparna Sharma and Manoj Kaul from the council kick-started its operations at the Pooghat-Bani school yesterday.

The equipment is slated to bring down the LPG usage of the school. Priced at Rs 15,000, it can be easily transported as per the needs.

“This is the most appropriate system for people living without livestock and in build-up area. As on now, system produces 30-40 minutes of cooking gas per day,” they said.

The scientists are now trying to improve its efficiency using crushed pine needles. This system is an ideal way to manage household waste and to produce decentralised power generation. The usage of this technology will also save women from smoky kitchen and time lost in searching for firewood.