Forest department developing “Bullet Proof” bamboo to withstand forces of nature
Nainital: To promote safe housing which will be fire, water and quake-proof, the forest department is planning to promote a hybrid of bamboo, called ‘Reinforcement Compact Bamboo Material’ or ‘Bullet proof Bamboo Board’, which is currently being used to build army bunkers.
Although the cost of constrcting a house with this material is on the higher side as compared to cement and concrete, but is is strong enough to withstand the forces of nature. It can be used in any climatic conditions and is also earthquake resistant. The material, commonly known as defensive grade, is now being used by the forest department to build its interpretation centre in Haldwani. Officials from the forest department told TOI that limited amount of concrete is required during construction when this material is used.
Parag Madhukar Dhakate, divisional forest officer, Tarai West said, “The idea originated from a suggestion by a senior official at the Centre that we can also implement this in our state. Actually, the material and technology was put in practice by North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) before we got to know about it.”
The central government had cleared the establishment of NECTAR at Shillong, Meghalaya under Department of Science and Technology with a total expenditure of Rs 292 crore during 12th Plan period in 2012.
