|
The First National VSBK Sammelan: VSBK Service Centre, Datia Dr. Soman Maity September 12, 2005 marked the dawn of a new era in the history of Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) technology. The first week long National VSBK Meet was organized at VSBK Service Centre during the period September 12–18, 2005. This event showcased the versatility of VSBK technology through its operation in monsoon season. The objective of the Sammelan (or conference) was to revive and consolidate the VSBK fraternity in India and share each others experiences. Various stakeholders in VSBK business gathered over a joint platform to discuss their successes and help each other in overcoming their initial failures. This was facilitated through visits, meetings, one-to-one interactions and focus group discussions between existing and aspiring VSBK entrepreneurs. Sharing of operational knowledge on VSBK helped the new entrepreneurs in making up their mind to adopt the VSBK technology. State government departments also pitched in through their presence and helped the entrepreneurs in motivating them through various financial schemes. Participants from the different states of India, like Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Rajasthan (and even the northern states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana) utilized this opportunity in experiencing fired clay brick production during heavy rains. This was the first kiln in India to commence production even before the start of the brick season. Visitors to VSBK Service Centre also had a chance to savour the state-of-the-art green brick making practices which included low cost extrusion system, improved mixing techniques through pug-milling, high strength green bricks through manual moulding, and machine-moulding above all. This was a unique showcasing since the bricks produced through this manual machine were of excellent quality as compared to those through ordinary hand moulding. It does not require any skilled person to mould these bricks and they can be easily moved to the moulding sites. Enviable energy and environment efficiency in brick making was demonstrated through more than 50% utilization of waste materials in brick making, mixing and utilization of fly ash and stone dust. The most notable feature experienced by various entrepreneurs was the amazingly low coal consumption in VSBK as compared to a fixed chimney kiln or an open clamp.
Success of the Sammelan was measured by the fact that during this period, VSBK Service Centre witnessed an influx of more than 200 visitors from all over India. It was a truly overwhelming response. Phone lines kept on ringing throughout the day and enquiries were received even at midnight. More than 400 enquiries were processed by the VSBK team during this period. Government participation from Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa was also a source of inspiration. Department of Industry and Office of the Commissioner, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Government of Jharkhand sponsored a team of 12 officials from the District Industries Centres of Dhanbad, Giridih, Palamau, Ranchi, West and East Singhbhum towards this event. The main idea was to gain a first hand knowledge on VSBK operation and promote the technology in their respective areas. The District Industries Centre of Rayagada and Koraput district also graced the event by sending a team of successful and aspiring entrepreneurs. The first hand experience of new entrepreneurs in this novel technology resulted in getting confirmed on-the-spot orders for setting up VSBK units. General Manager, DIC also visited the event regularly for understanding the technology and interacting with the successful entrepreneurs. The event turned out to be a successful venture due to the joint team effort of the VSBK Service Centre team comprising TARA, TNK and DA professionals. Their dedication, motivation and untiring support throughout the entire two month period helped in making this programme a roaring success. The VSBK Service Centre team has pledged to make this event an annual feature in its programme of operations. q |
