Mysuru: Highlighting the multi-pronged benefits of adopting solar energy, mayor Pushpalatha Jagganath on Thursday said that it eased the financial burden on a household. “Solar projects are the need of the hour,” said Pushpalatha.
The mayor, who inaugurated a workshop on ‘Proper utilisation of LPG, saving electricity and use of solar energy in the domestic sector’ organised by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) for the members of Ladies Association of Mysuru at the Institute of Engineers, called on women to tap the enormous potential of solar energy. “Recently, price of LPG has skyrocketed, and if the cylinders can be replaced with solar equipment, it will result in household expenses falling drastically. Similarly, families can switch to solar heaters and solar lights at home. What we need today is to promote solar projects in the country zealously. Using solar power is also more eco-friendly,” said Pushpalatha.
At the workshop, the participants were educated on the many benefits of solar energy and the need to adopt safety measures while working with LPG cylinders.
KREDL project engineer DK Dinesh Kumar said that switching to renewable energy was the most feasible solution to the longstanding problem of electricity shortage in Karnataka. “Use of solar energy will avert safety hazards that result from use of conventional electric devices. More people should adopt unconventional sources of power, which are also more eco-friendly,” Kumar said.
Expressing grave concerns over the exploitation of exhaustible resources of energy such as coal and natural gas for power generation, Kumar added, “The threat of these resources being exhausted is looming large. Moreover, use of coal and petroleum also result in pollution levels rising. However, nearly 21% of the country’s power needs can be met by renewable sources of energy. By the end of 2022, the central government is aiming to generate 1.75 lakh Mega Watts of electricity using renewable energy sources.”
Kumar emphasised the role institutions in each state played in helping the country achieve this target. “Mysuru City Corporation and all zonal offices have been equipped with solar plants. Women should also play a key role in helping the country tap solar potential by installing Sun-powered plants in their respective households,” he added.
Social activist AR Sudharani, Latha Siddegowda, Padma Suresh, Sunita Bhaskar and Umadevi were among those who attended the workshop.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes
