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Biomass Energy for Rural India (BERI) Project |
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The BERI Project is funded through UNDP by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and co-sponsored by the India Canada Environment Facility (ICEF), Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES) of Government of India and the State Government of Karnataka. The project is aimed at creating a sustainable, decentralized and community-based power generation and distribution system for the rural areas. An important aspect of this is the empowerment of the rural population to take care of their own energy needs. IYD is the implementing agency of the BERI Project in Tumkur cluster. The project area of IYD-BERI consists of five villages, namely Mallenahally, Sorekunte, Chikkaseebi, B.G.Palya and Ukkudadahatty. These villages cover 575 households. |
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The main goal of the project is providing sustainable energy to rural areas, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Gasifier units will be built, which convert biomass into energy. The biomass needed for these gasifier units will be developed in community land through Tree-Based Farming (TBF). Farmers are encouraged to plant trees on their land, so they can supply biomass. The TBF method will also increase the soil quality and conserve water, thus increasing the yield and income of farmers. Water conservation methods are used to make TBF successful. The planning of TBF is the responsibility of the Village Forest Committees (VFCs), which are also involved in the forestation of forest and common land. |
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Biogas plants are set up, to provide bio-energy to people in rural areas. The biogas plants convert cow dung into methane, which can be used for cooking. To use and maintain these biogas units, Biogas Users Groups (BUGs) are created. These groups, consisting of several households, are responsible for the operation and maintenance of their biogas plant. |
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To empower the rural population Self-Help Groups (SHGs) were formed, in which members save money and have the opportunity to discuss important issues. SHG members are encouraged to start Income-Generating Activities. These SHGs are important in the implementation of all project activities, because they often serve as mediators between the project and the community. Women SHG members work in Decentralized Nurseries (DCN), where seedlings needed for forestation and TBF are raised. Village Bio-Energy Management Committees (VBEMCs) have been formed, to coordinate projects regarding bio-energy. |
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Phone: +91 (0)80 25530597, 25533989 Fax: 080-25530597 E-mail: iydblr@gmail.com |
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