PANAJI: Power Minister Sudin Dhavlikar, emphasized the necessity of transitioning to alternative energy sources, noting that 72% of thermal energy generated from coal contributes to pollution and that coal reserves are diminishing rapidly.
Dhavlikar made these remarks during an event organized by the Department of Electricity to commemorate National Energy Conservation Week 2024 at Kala Academy, Campal.
The event aimed to raise public awareness about energy conservation, featuring various activities such as skits, poster painting, essays, street plays, and drawing competitions for high school and higher secondary students, all designed to educate society on the significance of conserving energy.
The Minister further stated that the celebration of Energy Conservation Week serves as a moment for reflection on our commitment to its underlying purpose. He expressed concern that despite the enthusiastic observance of such weeks, individuals often continue to act irresponsibly, which is unacceptable.
He urged the public to adopt a more serious and prudent approach to the consumption of natural resources. ‘It is imperative to consider renewable and green energy sources moving forward, as we must preserve these resources for future generations’.
He called for a balance and encouraged the adoption of energy-efficient practices, appealing to students to take on the responsibility of educating others about the importance of energy conservation.
Additionally, he commended the staff and congratulated the winners of the various competitions organized by the Electricity Department.
Chief Electrical Engineer Stephen Fernandes highlighted that development should not come at the expense of environmental destruction, warning that nature’s wrath could have dire consequences for humanity.
He stressed that natural resources should be utilized for our needs rather than for greed and urged students to raise awareness in their communities about the importance of energy conservation, noting that the government cannot achieve this goal alone.
WINNERS OF CONTEST: The Energy Conservation Excellence Awards at the municipal and panchayat levels were presented to the Corporation of Panaji and the Curti-Khandepar Village Panchayat.
The citizen quiz prizes were awarded to Vighnesh Shetye, Shweta P Desai, Amulya Kediu, among others. The awards for the best energy conservation clubs were received by Government High School, Balli-Quepem, Keshav Smruti High School, Dabolim-Vasco, and P M Government High School, Margao.
In the skit competition, the prizes were claimed by Keshav Smruti High School, Adarsh VV High School, Margao, and Government High School, Balli. The outreach activities for Energy Conservation recognized Ganat English High School, Nirankal-Ponda as the first place winner, followed by Government High School, Chimbel in second, and Hanuman Vidyalaya Velus, Sattari in third.