CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, on Monday launched a five-day bamboo handicraft training programme for women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the theme, ‘Empowering Women Self-Help Groups through Bamboo Handicrafts from Bamboo Grown on Fly Ash Dumps’. The programme, being held from June 16 to 20, aims to promote sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment and environmental restoration through bamboo-based Eco-Rejuvenation Technology (ERT). The inaugural session was attended by Sudip Rane, Chief Engineer, Koradi Thermal Power Station (KTPS); Dr S Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI; Dr Mahendra P Patil, Scientist-G and Chair of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Division; Pravin Bute, Deputy Executive Engineer, KTPS; and Dr Lal Singh, Scientist-E and programme organiser.

 

Addressing participants, Rane praised CSIR-NEERI’s efforts in promoting bamboo-based livelihood generation and encouraged women to develop entrepreneurial skills in the sector. Dr Mohan highlighted bamboo’s role in environmental restoration, climate resilience, circular economy and socio-economic development. Dr Patil underlined its potential in restoring degraded lands while generating livelihoods, especially for women, while Bute encouraged SHG members to focus on quality products with market value. Dr Lal Singh presented an overview of CSIR-NEERI’s bamboo-based ERT initiatives and their contribution to ecological restoration and livelihood generation. The programme includes hands-on training in bamboo harvesting, treatment, processing, handicraft production, value-added products, branding, marketing, entrepreneurship and product design. It also showcases how reclaimed fly ash dump sites can be transformed into productive landscapes benefiting local communities.