RNBA promotes sustainable energy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 27 2013 : With the State's electricity Department not showing any sign of improvement in meeting increasing demand for power supply the Rongmei Naga Baptist Association (RNBA) today launched its own Sustainable Energy unit with an aim to provide solar energy-generated power supply in the interior areas of Manipur.

The unit is a joint venture of RNBA's Development and Relief Department, Mumbai-based Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Berlin-based Blade for the World.

It is said that the German institution would extend financial assistance and the Tata Trust provide technological and resource expertise.

Requisite material for the project would be supplied by Mangal of Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak.

Speaking at the launch of the project at the Langol auditorium of RNBA this morning, senior programme coordinator of Sir Dorabji Tata Trust Biswanath Sinha said inspite of varied projects for over 80 years the Trust ventured into sustainable energy sector only about two years back and has so far set up solar energy projects in certain parts of the country including Jamshedpur.

Noting that like in many parts of the country Manipur too is problems related to power supply shortage, he said the Tata Trust would provide resource and technological assistance to the RNBA Department for taking up solar power projects in the interior areas of the State where electricity remains a rare commodity.

As a guest of honour of the Sustainable Energy Unit's launching ceremony, NABARD Imphal deputy general manager VS Gupta said that with NABARD as the channelising agent solar home lighting and solar water heating projects are being implemented with the financial assistance of regional rural as well as commercial banks.As part of the Government of India's scheme solar power projects are being implemented in various parts of the country with 40 percent subsidy and loan facility by rural and commercial banks, said the deputy general manager adding that details about the scheme could be confirmed through NABARD website www.nabard.org .

MANIREDA project officer Agha Khan, who also attended the launching programme as a guest of honour, highlighting MANIREDA's continuous endeavour to implement solar home lighting and water heating projects in different locations of the State, stated that 30 percent cost of the projects for individual homes is borne by the Central Government while in case of Government institutions the assistance is 90 percent.

Conveying that details about solar power projects implemented under MANIREDA and NABARD could be accessed through the MANIREDA website, Agha Khan said proper maintenance is crucial in ensuring longevity of the solar power equipment.

The Sangai Express (Manipuri edition) editor Khogendra Khomdram, as a guest of honour of the programme, lauding the joint initiative of RNBA and other agencies said implementation of solar home lighting system would not only illuminate homes but also facilitate the student community concentrate on their academic chores.

He also pledged all possible assistance by the media in promoting solar energy ventures.

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