Eco-bag unit, solar panel system to boost sustainability in Ranchi

Ranchi: In a major push towards environmental sustainability, Mayor Roshni Khalkho inaugurated a biodegradable polybag manufacturing unit at Naga Baba Vegetable Market on Friday, as Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) rolled out multiple initiatives on Swachh Bharat Diwas on Friday to improve cleanliness and protect the environment.Set up by RMC, the facility is the first production unit established by any civic body in Jharkhand to make eco-friendly carry bags and curb the sale, buy and use of banned plastic bags.The unit will be run entirely by women associated with Area Level Federation (ALF), who will handle production, operations and marketing. Officials said the project is designed to promote environmental conservation, women’s economic empowerment and local entrepreneurial skills. Based on its performance, RMC may explore similar units in other city markets.The facility uses polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and filler materials in a 7:3 ratio. It can produce about 40 kg of biodegradable bags per hour. Production cost is estimated at Rs 140 per kg, against a projected selling price of Rs 160 per kg, creating an expected surplus of Rs 20 per kg. Hourly sales may reach Rs 6,400, with a surplus of Rs 800.To strengthen sanitation operations, Khalkho and deputy mayor Neeraj Kumar also flagged off 10 tractor-trolley units procured through Union Bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund. “The 10 new tractors will enable more effective waste collection and transportation, particularly in view of the upcoming festive season,” Khalkho said.A 50 kVA hybrid solar panel system installed by Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) was also commissioned at RMC headquarters. It powers the basement, ground, first and second floors, with scope to supply other floors, reducing bills and grid dependence and promoting greener, more responsible municipal administration.Stay updated with the latest Ranchi news. Download the TOI App.