GS 3 – Environment
Context
- India inaugurated its first bamboo-based bioethanol plant in Golaghat, Assam.
- This is a major step towards green energy, industrial growth, and self-reliance.
- A polypropylene plant foundation was also laid to boost regional manufacturing.
Significance
- Bioethanol is a renewable, high-octane biofuel produced from biomass such as:
- Bamboo
- Sugarcane
- Grains
- The plant will:
- Process 5 lakh tonnes of bamboo annually.
- Source bamboo from Assam and other northeastern states.
- Provide income opportunities for farmers and tribal communities.
- Supports India’s goals to:
- Reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Promote cleaner, sustainable energy sources.
Why Bamboo?
- Fast-growing and abundant in Northeast India.
- Sustainable raw material with:
- Low environmental impact.
- Potential for continuous cultivation and harvest.
Policy Support
- Earlier, bamboo was classified as a tree under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, which restricted harvesting.
- Recent Amendment:
- Bamboo is now treated as a grass, not a tree.
- Lifting of harvesting restrictions allows:
- Farmers and forest communities to cultivate, harvest, and sell bamboo legally.
- Boosts rural livelihoods and promotes sustainable resource use.
Mains Practice Question
Discuss the significance of India’s first bamboo-based ethanol plant in promoting green energy and rural livelihoods. How have recent policy changes enabled sustainable bamboo cultivation?