DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTED ENERGY NEEDS TO BE REDUCED

Considering the growing energy requirements of India, special attention must be given to techniques developed in the country so that dependence on importing energy is reduced. Solar energy, atomic energy and biomass can prove important towards meeting this aim. The former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India and renowned nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar said this while delivering the National Science Day lecture at the Raj Bhawan here on Wednesday.

Delivering his lecture on India’s energy needs and the role of atomic energy, Kakodkar spoke about the strategy required for fulfilling the energy needs of the country by using the nation’s limited resources.

He said that a balance would have to be struck between the demands and sustainability.

Stating that solar energy, atomic energy and biomass were important in the context of India, he pointed out that these can be capitalised upon for meeting the electricity and fuel needs of the nation. Hydrogen can be obtained from atomic energy and fuel can be obtained by a combination of hydrogen and biomass, he added. Kakodkar recalled that India had begun its atomic energy programme with creative objectives. Atomic energy is as safe as any other energy. In the Indian Constitution, developing a scientific temper is also a part of the fundamental duties of the people, he said, while adding that the perspective towards atomic energy needed to be changed.

India is capable of utilising atomic energy in a safe manner, he opined. As energy utilisation has a direct relationship with the quality of life, energy resources need to be developed on a long-term basis, he stressed.

Earlier, the Governor Krishan Kant Paul welcomed Kakodkar and introduced him to the audience.

The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) director general Rajendra Dobhal delivered the vote of thanks. Kakodkar and the Governor also went around the science model gallery put up on the occasion.

Source: dailypioneer