Karnataka Unveils 'Hasiru Sankalpa' to Drive Bioenergy Revolution

Karnataka launched 'Hasiru Sankalpa,' a strategic initiative blending ground-level action with policy to support bioenergy transition. The event, featuring rallies and a mass plantation drive, emphasized electric mobility, biofuel-linked species, and renewable energy projects, highlighting the state's commitment to sustainable growth.

In a groundbreaking partnership, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Bengaluru South Officers, the Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board (KSBDB) chaired by S E Sudheendra, and the Hasirotsava Forum launched the 'Hasiru Sankalpa' initiative on Monday. This initiative synergizes grassroots efforts with strategic policy to bolster Karnataka's leadership in sustainable and bioenergy transitions. The launch witnessed over 150 electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, environmentalists, and citizens participating in a lively rally from Nexus Vega City Mall to Hulimavu Lake, underscoring the state's dedication to electric mobility as a cornerstone of its clean energy agenda, aimed at reducing urban pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.

At Hulimavu Lake, Sudheendra and Satish Reddy, MLA of Bommanahalli, spearheaded a mass plantation effort, focusing on biofuel-related species. This initiative underscores the importance of involving the youth in ecological restoration, aligning with KSPCB and KSBDB's shared mission to enhance sustainable biomass supply chains. In his keynote, the KSBDB Chairman sketched out an extensive roadmap to emphasize Karnataka's leadership in renewable energy.

The future strategy pillars revealed a focus on non-edible oil seeds like Honge, Neem, Hippe, and Simarouba for biodiesel production, aiming to create farmer-centric supply chains for energy security and rural development. The plan also calls for scaling biomass industrialization with biobriquettes, biopellets, and biochar to replace coal in industrial applications, pushing for a state-backed Compressed Biogas (CBG) revolution, and piloting green hydrogen projects. Sudheendra assured support from Karnataka's highest authorities, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre, with commitments to accelerate bioenergy deployment across the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)