The State Government in a bid to save energy has set a target to distribute over one crore LED bulbs among the people of the State, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said on Thursday while addressing a programme organised by Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) to mark the World Energy Conservation Day at ONGC’s auditorium.
The CM said that if every household across the state uses LED bulbs and energy efficient fans the state would save energy worth rupees hundreds of crores. Money thus saved on the front of energy consumption would be spent in various sectors like education and health, something which would help the state move ahead in every index of development. CM said, adding that the state government would then be in a position to provide power free of cost to the poor.
Stressing that his government is promoting alternative energy sources, CM said that the state government has already started its work for preparing bio-fuel from pirul (pine needles). He also appreciated energy auditing competitions involving students organised by the power department to mark the occasion.
CM launched Urja Mitra Scheme for distribution of LED bulbs through the all- women self- help groups. He also released a book on energy conservation published by UREDA. Winners of competitions on subject energy conservation were awarded on the occasion. Besides, he inspected exhibition based on energy efficiency equipments.
On the occasion, a memorandum of understanding was signed under Ujala programme between EESL and some all-women self- help groups based in various districts like Pithoragarh, Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarkashi and Dehradun for distribution of LED bulbs in rural and urban areas of the state. As per the MoU, members of the self- help groups would distribute LED bulbs and energy efficiency equipments in return of a marginal amount on the volume of their sales. Besides, the groups which would meet the targets would be awarded as ujala mitras.
UREDA officers said that the women involved with such self-help groups would earn money out of the drive of selling LED bulbs and energy efficient equipments among the people. “The members would be given Rs 10 for sale of each LED bulb, Rs 15 for selling each LED neon light and Rs 56 for selling each energy efficient fan,” said an officer.
Secretary Power Radhika Jha said that celebrating power conservation day is not a one- day programme. Such observance would have a meaning if it is included in everyone’s life style, she added.