Wayanad: A new unit has been set up at Masinagudi to crush invasive plants from the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and convert them into biofuel. 

District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru visited the facility to review its operations. Invasive species, including the Kongini plant (Balloon Vine), will be uprooted using tractors and fed into a huller attached to the vehicle for crushing. The resulting material will then be dried, ground into a fine powder, and later converted into solid fuel blocks under high temperatures.

These eco-friendly fuel blocks will be supplied to cooperative tea factories in Gudalur. The Forest Department-led project aims to clear invasive plant species from the reserve forest while promoting sustainable resource use.

The tribal community of Mudumalai has been entrusted with the day-to-day operations of the unit. A drying unit is being set up to ensure uninterrupted production during the monsoon season.