Green energy, more of a necessity now

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 29

Attempting to take preventive measures and break the chain of the holy city’s unhealthy relationship with ecology, some of the citizens are initiating the process of green living and sustainable energy dependency. As the summers approach with increased aggression and heat, concepts of water harvesting, green energy consumption, adding to the oxygen content are all becoming a possible necessity rather than a lifestyle choice. Just as Punjab opens up to expand the solar energy production base, some in the city are already reaping the benefits of green energy. 

Like Manjyot Babber, a businessman, who runs his factory of machinery parts with the help of a 20 kw solar power unit. “Approx 25-30 per cent of my total energy consumption will be from solar-power cells and it will also help me cut down on my power bills,” he says. Speaking in terms of economic concerns, he emphasises that green energy ultimately reduces the cost on power consumption, contrary to belief. “Most people think that green energy is expensive, which would seem to be true if considered monetarily. But the way energy prices are going up, given its abuse, I am sure in the longer run, clean energy will be a better option,” he says. Khalsa College was one of the first institutions to adopt green energy practices and instal solar-power units for its buildings. As much as 10-15 per cent of their total energy consumption is from solar power and they are looking to expand their capacity. Another example is of Captain Ajay Verma, whose humble abode runs on solar power, the 1,200 kw solar-voltaic panel, accounting for most of the energy consumption.

With MC’s Town Planning Department making it mandatory for commercial buildings and multiplexes to resort to solar energy for majority of their power needs, the plan is to soon expand the rule to residential plots as well. “Solar voltaic panels help save electricity considerably and with the increased dependency on power, we need to figure out alternative sources as well. The rates of solar power equipment now considerably coming down, the demand for it has increased and it’s healthy for the environment as well,” says Bhatia, senior Town planner. 

Gunbir Singh, president, Dilbir Foundation that has been campaigning in support of green energy resources, says that the issue is right now is to promote and popularize alternate energy resources. “We are ready to assist anyone, who wants to adopt green energy practices. The cost of generation and equipment is coming dow and solar energy would turn out to be a bread winner for energy sector and could be harnessed from home. The regulatory framework needs to take assistance from NGOs, plan and execute with any tardiness.”