From the CPO's Desk

A focused discussion was convened under the guidance of Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission of India and Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSTC), Mumbai, Government of Maharashtra to explore the development of a circular economy model for bamboo in eastern Maharashtra, particularly Gadchiroli, where bamboo is abundantly available.

The core discussion centered on leveraging this resource through scientific and technological interventions. In this context, Padma Bhushan Prof. J. B. Joshi, Vice Chancellor, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, presented a proven pyrolysis-based technology developed by ICT. This technology enables the conversion of bamboo waste into valuable products such as bio-oil, biochar, and other value-added materials, offering a sustainable pathway for large-scale utilization of bamboo.

Building on this, the ICT team is planning to propose this initiative to Anusandhan National Research Foundation, while also exploring support from Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission for establishing a pilot plant in Gadchiroli. The proposed setup aims to create a circular economy ecosystem, linking bamboo resources with industrial applications, including potential integration with Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, while generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including Dr. C. D. Mayee (Chairman, Governing Body, STRC), Padma Bhushan Prof. J. B. Joshi (Vice Chancellor, ICT, Mumbai), Dr. Prashant Bokare (Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Gondwana University), Shri. Girish Sohani (Principal Advisor & Trustee, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune ), Smt. Pragati Gokhale (Advisor & Office In-charge, RGSTC, Nagpur), Shri. Manish Uttarwar (Director, Innovation, Incubation and Linkages, Gondwana University), Col. Vikram Mehta (Residential Director, Lloyds Metals & Energy), along with Dr. Vrushali Kulkarni (Member Secretary (I/C), RGSTC, Mumbai), and Shri. Swapnil Girade (Chief Program Officer & Head, STRC) and other delegates.

A key outcome of the discussion was the strong recognition of STRC’s role in supporting this initiative. It was specifically emphasized by Dr. Anil Kakodkar and Dr. C. D. Mayee that STRC, with over a decade of experience working in the region and in the bamboo sector, can serve as a nodal resource centre. STRC is expected to provide reliable socio-economic data on bamboo resources, including community dependence, plantation status, and availability, to strengthen planning and implementation of the project.

This initiative reflects a strategic step towards transforming abundant bamboo resources into a driver of sustainable livelihoods, green tech. and regional economic development in Gadchiroli.