Bamboo park to come up in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi to promote Ethanol Production

India’s first 2G-Ethanol Bio Refinery in Assam, the Numaligarh Refinery, has also been set up to convert bamboo into ethanol, benefitting local farmers and boosting the economy

With the opening of the first Bamboo Park in the state in Mawtnum village, Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district is poised to make history. The five-acre project intends to establish Meghalaya as a pioneer in bamboo-based industries, promote sustainable development, and generate employment. Bamboo is becoming more and more acknowledged in a variety of industries as an environmentally acceptable substitute. The government has also promoted bamboo’s potential as a sustainable biofuel in recent years, especially for the manufacturing of ethanol. 55 million tonnes of bamboo, or 66 per cent of the nation’s resources, are found in northeastern India. In order to combat climate change, increase farm incomes, and produce bio-ethanol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi established the National Bamboo Mission in 2018. The Numaligarh Refinery, India’s first 2G-Ethanol Bio Refinery, was established in Assam to turn bamboo into ethanol, helping the local farmers and stimulating the economy.

James PK Sangma, Chairman of the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), laid the foundation stone for the Ri-Bhoi Bamboo Park on Saturday. Key players such as former Mawhati MLA Donbok Khymdeit, MIDC Managing Director DD Nongmalieh, Ri-Bhoi Additional Deputy Commissioner MB Tongper, Umsning MLA Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, and Mawtnum village community leaders attended the occasion.

According to James PK Sangma, the initiative represents a major chance for the area. Bamboo has the capacity to transform lives and produce a healthy income, making it similar to “green gold.” Its capacity for sustainable use is what gives it its actual worth, according to Sangma. He emphasized how bamboo can help achieve environmental objectives, particularly in lowering carbon emissions through cleaner substitutes for petroleum and charcoal, such as ethanol and bamboo pellets.

Sangma noted that Meghalaya may see new economic prospects as a result of the rising demand for bamboo and its products worldwide. Bamboo’s role will further grow as India shifts to ethanol blending to reduce emissions. Meghalaya has an edge in this field thanks to its abundant bamboo variety, he said.

By switching from traditional charcoal production to items made from bamboo, the project tackles important environmental problems like pollution and deforestation. The park will feature guest rooms made entirely of bamboo, a training center, and eleven industrial units for companies based on bamboo. The intention is to demonstrate how bamboo may be utilized to fulfill everyday need while preserving the environment. Badhok Nongmalieh, the headman of Mawtnum village, gave his opinion on the project’s objectives. “This park will use the many advantages of bamboo to provide jobs for local farmers and young people. It serves as an example of how bamboo can support daily need while preserving the environment,” he said.

Although he expects for future cooperation, he clarified that the town is presently funding the project fully on its own without assistance from the government. Nongmalieh emphasized bamboo’s rapid development, saying, “Unlike trees, which take 10 to 15 years to mature, bamboo can be harvested in two years.” It is therefore a viable choice for wood-based enterprises.

Badhok Nongmalieh and Kamai Nongmalieh, the project leaders, were commended by Sangma for their vision and commitment. Additionally, he emphasized how crucial community involvement is to the project’s success. Without the active assistance of local communities, no enterprise can thrive. “The collaboration with the Mawtnum village community is an example for others,” he stated.

The Ri-Bhoi Bamboo Park is seen as a significant step toward a greener economy in Meghalaya because of its emphasis on employment development, environmental preservation, and sustainable growth. The project’s focus on sustainable techniques and community involvement has already garnered recognition as a model for other areas to emulate.

India’s first 2G-Ethanol Bio Refinery in Assam,