The Handicraft Training Centre in Sector-2, established as part of SAIL/Bokaro Steel Plant’s (BSL) CSR initiative, now boasts a bamboo plantation-based carbon sink housing eight different species of bamboo. On August 6th, Director Incharge BSL B.K. Tiwari, along with President Mahila Samiti Anita Tiwari, Executive Directors, Chief General Managers, and senior officials of BSL, formally launched the plantation of 1,800 bamboo saplings within the Handicraft Centre premises. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also provides raw materials for bamboo-based handicraft items produced at the centre.

Notably the Handicraft Training Centre, opened in December 2022, aims to train women from local villages in making handicraft items from bamboo, water hyacinth, and jute. In less than two years, the centre has trained over 700 women, significantly contributing to their economic upliftment. BSL has partnered with Dumka-based LIMS-ESAF Foundation, known for its extensive experience in this field, to impart this training. The market linkage for products made at the centre is well established, and a showroom is planned to open in Bokaro soon. Dr. Ajithsen Selvadhas, Director of LIMS-ESAF Foundation, highlighted that the plantation will sequester around 120 MT of CO2, as bamboo can sequester approximately 12 to 15 tons of CO2 per acre per year. Bamboo roots prevent soil erosion, making it ideal for reforesting degraded lands. 

Director Incharge B.K. Tiwari emphasized that this initiative will help reduce carbon emissions, a crucial need, and ensure a consistent supply of raw materials to the artisans. Anita Tiwari, President of Mahila Samiti, also commended the project, highlighting its dual benefits of environmental conservation and economic empowerment for local women. After three years, the bamboo trees will be ready to meet the raw material requirements of the artisans working at the centre.