December 24: Nepal Rastra Bank had been destroying useless banknotes in the furnace but now it is going to make briquettes by utilizing them.

The central bank is going to make briquettes through eco-friendly state-of-the-art machine.

NRB is also constructing a separate building at the central and provincial offices to put the machine. Accordingly, the foundation stone of the building where the machine will be kept has been laid last Friday at the office in Kaski, Pokhara.

According to Narayan Pokharel, joint spokesperson of NRB, now a briquette making machines is being brought as the burning of banknotes is not environmental friendly. “Before, such useless notes used to be burnt. Now briquettes made from it will be available in the market,” he told New Business Age, adding, “A building will be constructed for such machines in the office at Thapathali for the center, while machines will be set up in Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Pokhara, Birgunj, Parsa and other offices except Surkhet to make briquettes.”

NRB has not brought the machine yet. However, preparations have been made for the purchase. Pokharel said the estimated cost for the machine is Rs 600 million. He said that tenders to bring the machine will be opened only after the construction of the building.

Nepal Rastra Bank, which has been destroying notes in the traditional style till now, had pointed out the need for a modern disposal machine. Such environment-friendly modern machines are being brought as burning of notes will pollute the environment. NRB says that they have been successful to bring such machine that reduces environmental hazards.