State responses to call for clean and safe energy
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 20, 2012: Commemorating the birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) today observed Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas (Renewable Energy Day) at Manipur Public School, Koirengei.

The function was graced by Chief Minister O Ibobi and Education Minister M Okendro as Chief Guest and President respectively.

On the occasion, 98 meritorious students under BSEM and CBSE were presented Solar Home Lights and Certificates by the Chief Guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that observance of Renewable Energy Day is a tribute to Rajiv Gandhi's vision of taking the country into the 21st century through application of modern science and technology.

It also symbolizes a future of clean and safe energy for mankind.

Chief Minister O Ibobi further stated that the growing concern of global climate change and the country's energy security has posed a huge challenge before us and all countries are trying to develop Renewable Energy as an alternative source of energy.

"The India Government is also trying to deal with energy crisis through several measures and a separate Ministry for development of new and renewable energy has been created", he informed.

MANIREDA was established in 1999 as an autonomous Government Agency for implementation of all the Renewable Energy projects/schemes in the State.

It has made significant contribution towards supplementing power shortages in the State particularly in remote areas.

It has completed installation of more than 3 MW installed capacity of various sources like solar, small hydel, wind, biomass etc, he added.

The Chief Minister further stated that installation of power back up system has been taken up at important locations like hospitals, police stations, district administration offices and common service centers.

The ongoing project for installation of 3340 numbers of solar water heaters by the agency would relieve about 5 MW of connected load from the overburdened State power grid.

He also appealed to all to use renewable energy as far as possible and to extend full cooperation to MANIREDA in their ongoing projects and future ventures.

Delivering the Presidential speech, Education Minister M Okendro called upon the people to have the habit of using power wisely and informed that a proposal is all set to be forwarded to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for providing Solar Lighting System to every household of around 4,92,607 job card holders in the state.

Under the proposed project, 90% of the funds would be borne by the Ministry and the remaining 10 % from the respective MLA's local area development fund.

The Minister also assured that a regular Principal would be arranged for Manipur Public School, Koirengei at the earliest possible.

The function was also attended by LT Golmei, Principal Secretary of Science and Technology; L Manglem, Director of MANIREDA and Th Iboyaima, Additional Director of MANIREDA as presidium members.

Comment