Patna: The Bihar government has announced plans to make biodiesel widely available across the state’s rural areas, easing restrictions for biofuel pumps along village roads.
Officials from the Rural Works Department said preparations are underway to open biofuel retail outlets in every village, aiming to improve access to environmentally friendly fuel in regions that have traditionally lacked it. Until now, establishing such pumps faced bureaucratic hurdles, particularly regarding the use of government land for connecting roads. Existing rules, formulated in 2018, provided little clarity on the process for biofuel stations.
A committee chaired by the state’s Chief Engineer has been formed to streamline approvals for rural biodiesel pumps, in a process similar to that used for conventional petrol stations. The committee will recommend the procedures and conditions necessary to set up these outlets, after which the government will issue detailed guidelines.
Biodiesel differs from regular diesel as it is produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or decomposing organic waste. It is considered a greener alternative, producing lower carbon emissions than traditional fuels. Authorities also hope the initiative will generate employment opportunities in villages while promoting the adoption of clean energy.
