Promotion of biomass stressed

Kathmandu: Biomass entrepreneurs have underlined the need to promote biomass to reduce pollution and trade deficit in petroleum products. Biomass helps ensure high efficiency, they argued.

At a programme organised jointly by the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) and the Biomass Entrepreneurs’ Association in the federal capital on Wednesday, the speakers suggested that the government it encourage the use of bio-fuel. They complained that the government made the wrong decision to impose a tax on bio-energy.

Energy expert at the British Embassy in Kathmandu, Resha Piya, viewed it as worrying that many people were unaware of the environmental and commercial aspects of biomass technology.

NEFEJ Chair Chandra Sekhar Karki said environmental and sustainable development were prioritised by the NEFEJ. The government must prioritise the environment-friendly programmes, he added.

Former Minister for Environment, Ganesh Sah, suggested compulsory adoption of bio-fuel at every industry.

Deputy Director at Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Dr Rana Bahadur Thapa, said clean energy has been mentioned as a fundamental rights in constitution which need full enforcement to protect environment. Use of biomass can replace the LPG use, so necessary programme was required.

Association Chair Aditya Parajuli worried why the government imposed excise duty in biomass through the budget for the coming year.

Presenting a working paper on the occasion, environmentalist Nabaraj Pokharel saod biomass carries much significance in management of dry fodder and shrubs. It further contributes to minimize wildfire and even the global problem- the emission of carbon.