E-charkhas for generating power

New Delhi, Oct 4: Now spinning charkha will literally light up your life! A Bangalore-based engineer has developed an 'e-charkha' that not only weaves khadi but generates electricity as well.

Spinning the charkha for about two hours gives back-up power for about 6-7 hours of basic lighting and playing radio. The charkha, developed by Mr Hiremath for the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), has maintenance-free lead acid battery fixed at the bottom, which functions as an inverter.

Costing about Rs 3,000 each, the new age charkha will be formally launched by President Pratibha Patil on November 19. The KVIC plans to induct 200,000 such pieces at khadi weaving centres acorss the country, according to a source in the Small and Medium Industries.

'The charkha will be a boon to the spinners, who would be able to experience the fusion of economic activity with the pleasure of music while working on it,'' he said.

UNI