But even the above solutions to the immediate problems do not address three major obstacles to the widespread rep-licability of Pura-type biogas-based rural energy systems. 5.1. Relationship with government
In order to distinguish itself from the conventional govern-ment-run approach to rural projects, the technical team from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, responsible for the Pura project functioned in a distinctly different manner. From the beginning they worked like scientists from an in-stitution of education, science and technology who wanted to assist villagers to help themselves in a bootstrap operation to achieve self-reliance. Towards this end, they deliberately maintained a distance from the government and its depart-ments. This approach was eminently successful in earning credibility and the respect of the villagers. However, the long-term success of this approach hinged on the govern-ment avoiding schemes that would interfere with and under-mine the approach of the project.