The flavour of Kolkata

The flavour of Kolkata
The city is known for its old alleys. One such is shot by Atanu Pal.

Friday, February 09, 2007

A pathbreaking invention

Kolkata Newsline, Indian Express dated February 5 has reported that Jadavpur University (JU in common parlance) has invented a stove that runs on plant oil- like jatropha (The next biodiesel), castor, neem, cotton and karanja.

According to Prof. PK Bose, project head, rural households depending on kerosene for lighting and cooking can find it useful. Called SVOs (Straight vegetable oil) in technical jargon, these oils do not require blending with kerosene. There is 'Complete combustion' with SVOs, that means they are far less polluting that other fuels.

JU is known for its projects that bring a positive change to society and this invention is another landmark in the journey.

A patent has been applied for and the product is expected to hit the market in 3-4 months at prices at par with standard stoves.

Given the scarcity of kerosene in Kolkata, many low-income households cooking with it will find the stove a bliss, provided the fuel cost is equal to or lower than kerosene and it is made easily available.

1 comment:

  1. Anirban,

    You're doing fine. I'm sure you'll turn out as an interesting blogger. Keep it up!!

    Partha Bhattacharya

    ReplyDelete

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