Tamil Nadu - Others   

Theni self-help group sets up biogas plant at sanitary complex

K. Raju

Reduction in electricity charges of panchayat made possible

POWER FROM WASTE: Theni Collector Rajesh Lakhoni inspecting a biogas plant at Melapatti on Thursday.

THENI: In what could be termed as a first of its kind venture in the State, self-help groups of Melapatti village in Kadamalaigundu-Mayiladumparai union has successfully introduced non-conventional energy to generate power for their total requirements, resulting in considerable reduction in the electricity charges of the Kadamalaigundu panchayat.

Amma self-help group, which maintains a sanitary complex in the village, has set up a Deenabandhu model biogas plant at a cost of Rs.1.9 lakhs with a subsidy of Rs.50,000 from the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources, New Delhi.

The 10 cubic-metre capacity biogas plant has been generating 3.5 KW per hour, using night soil of the sanitary complex. It has been utilised to operate one H.P. motor for maximum five hours and three H.P. compressors for pumping water for sanitary complex and to burn lamps in 10 rooms in the complex. The slurry generated from the plant after power generation is reused as manure for agriculture and vermi-composting — more income generating activities for the SHG, said Muthulakshmi, its president. At present, 200 persons have been using the sanitary complex in a day. This facility has not only eliminated recurring electricity expenses but also help them keep surroundings clean and protect the environment.

"With organic farming gaining momentum in the district, we do not find any difficulty in marketing organic manure and vermi-compost," Ms. Muthulakshmi said.

Theni Collector Rajesh Lakhoni, who inspected the facility on Thursday, said this model should be emulated by other SHGs in the district. The Government has been allocating so much of funds for total sanitation. Children should be taught to use toilets for the sake of their health. Streets should not be used as toilets, he said.

Sources in the district administration said three additional plants were sanctioned for the district during this year.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Corporation engineer knocked down by speeding train
Theni self-help group sets up biogas plant at sanitary complex
`Work with Govt. in repair of irrigation sources'
Win a contest and act with Surya
Panel formed to monitor scan centres
Over Rs. 36 crores advanced to SHGs
Government staff stage dharna
Cattle traders take out rally
Gang hacks watchman to death
Head constable attempts suicide
TSET award to school toppers
Man with gun held

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu