Kathmandu, January 30:

A group of people drove a mini van all the way from Palpa to Kathmandu by using bio-fuel today.

Extracted from natural products found in the jungles, this fuel is cost-effective, easily made and readily accessible if the plants used to make the fuel are cultivated extensively.

Bhairav Darshan Sajivan Urja Nepal developed the bio-fuel and used it on tractors first. After

initial success, they used it to drive a van from Palpa to Kathmandu.

The fuel is made from products such as oil cakes, Angder oil, and pine oil, to name a few. The fuel when used in a vehicle causes a high level of friction making the motor run. The bio-fuel releases almost nil harmful chemicals and gases. It also emits a pleasant odour, unlike in case of fossil fuel.

“We produced the fuel and demonstrated its use as responsible citizens, without taking donations or any other grant from the people or the government. It is cost-effective and can generate employment,” said Ram Bahadur Rawat, a member of the organisation. “A part of the Rs 50 million budget allocated for the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation could be used to cultivate plants like Sajivan and make bio-fuel to render the country self-sufficient in fuel. The government should take up the matter rather than leaving it to a small segment of the society,” said Khemraj Bhattarai, joint-secretary at the ministry.

Speaking at a function, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Kiran Gurung said, “We will

do our best to support inventions like these. I lay much emphasis on using products that are least harmful to the environment.”