complete ban of plastic bags in haryana

December 24 - Haryana Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Mrs Kiran Choudhry today directed the officers of Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to prepare a list of all plastic bag manufacturers of the state and take steps to completely ban the use of plastic bags in the State.
Mrs Choudhry was presiding over the seventh meeting of the Board here today..
It was informed in the meeting that the Board had given notices to 159 Aravalli Hills defaulters and five prosecution cases have been filed against the defaulters so far.
She directed the officials to take strict actions against the defaulters. She had been touring the Aravalli Hills area and had found out that violations were being made despite the strict guidelines of the Supreme Court of India. All defaulters would be punished severely and such activities would be stopped completely.
The Minister urged the Regional Officers of the Board to deal with the pollution problem with strictness and sincerity as pollution free environment is the need of the hour. She directed all the regional officers to appoint environment wardens in each ward in order to keep a check on the use of plastic bags and products. She asked them to spread awareness through rallies and to conduct various wakeful activities pertaining to environment in the State. She also asked the officers to submit a detailed report of the various activities which included awareness campaigns, functioning of the Eco Clubs in accordance to the calendar of events issued by the Board.
Mrs Choudhry said that Head office of the Board would issue no-objection-certificates (NOC) on pollution angle to units having an investment of over Rs 5 crore. These units included hot mix plant, stone crushers, construction projects which had a discharge of 10 KLD or more, units covered under Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification. Units which had an investment of less than Rs 5 crore would be issued NOC on pollution angle by the District Level Clearance Committee (DLCC) headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners as per the Haryana Industrial Promotion Rules 2007. The Units included brick kilns and other plants machineries.
She directed the Board to prosecute the environment violators under the law, failing which the concerned official would be penalized for negligence. She stressed that Bio-medical waste should be disposed off with utmost care and ensure that various medical institutions were adhering to the disposal rules and regulations in the State.
The Minister directed the Board to formulate a proper NOC procedure and make it available online, she said that each stage should be properly explained in order to maintain transparency. She also asked the officers to amend the notification on the functioning of the stone crushers of the state to clearly list the norms and criteria for closure and functioning of the Stone Crushers.
She asked ROs to expedite the awareness campaigns in their districts through young children and disseminate more finances to the ECO clubs. She said that it was very important to sensitize the children on the various environmental issues as they were the future guardians of the Environment.

mou with management development institute

Dec 11- Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon and launch "Bal Urja Rakshak Mission" during State level function of National Energy Conservation Day 2008 to be held at the Apparel Export Promotion Council, Gurgaon on December 18.
While stating this here today, a spokesman of HAREDA said that the MoU would be signed to work jointly for capacity building and training in the areas of renewable energy, energy conservation, climate change and sustainable development. The expertise of the MDI in these areas would be of immense help for building capacity of various stake holders in the State, he added.
He said that Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda would be the chief guest at the function. Member Parliament and Chairman, MDI, Mr N.K.Singh, Chief Secretary, Haryana, Mr Dharam Vir and Director General Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Government of India, Dr. Ajay Mathur would be the guests of honour.
He said that on this occasion, the Chief Minister Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda would also launch Bal Urja Rakshak Mission under School Energy Education Outreach Programme of HAREDA. The Mission had been worked out by HAREDA and the School of Energy Management, MDI to implement a focused programme to bring about attitudinal and behavioral transformation amongst the students of eighth and ninth classes.
He said that State level Energy Conservation Awards, prizes for the State Level Energy Conservation Essay Writing Competition and Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Quiz would also be given away. Also, the Hindi version of the Energy Conservation Hand Book for building sector would be released.
The function would be organised by the Haryana Department of Renewable Energy, which is the State designated agency for energy conservation activities in the State, he added.

Haryana Governor on Solar Energy

December 2 - The Haryana Governor, Dr. A.R. Kidwai todaysaid that solar energy was the future of India, as it would go a longway in meeting our demand for Power.Dr. Kidwai, who was addressing the people after inaugurating the newly constructed environment friendly green building of the institute of Rural Research and Development at Gurgaon, said that in view ofavailability of solar energy in the country, Government of India had formulated a project to set up solar generators to generate 50 MW ofelectricity. Out of these, solar generators of 12 MW would be set up in Haryana.Dr. Kidwai said that to generate one MW electricity from solar energy cost Rs. 20 crore, as the Silicon Cells, which convert solar energy into electrical energy were imported from Germany. If these cells were manufactured in India, the generating cost of electricity from solar energy would get reduced considerably, he added.He expressed hope that India would soon start manufacturing SiliconCells resulting in reduction in their cost. Generating electricity from solar energy cost about Rs. 15 per KW. However, consumers had to pay only Rs. three per KW, thanks to the subsidy provided by theGovernment of Haryana and Central Government. Sanctioned had been accorded to generate solar energy by installing panels on the roofs of two factories in Gurgaon, he added.

NOC by Pollution Control Board Haryana

November 22- Haryana Minister of State for Environment,MrsKiran Choudhry today said that Haryana State Pollution Control Boardwill issue no-objection-certificate on pollution angle to units havingan investment of over Rs 5 crore at the Head office of Board. Theseunits included hot mix plant, stone crushers, construction projectswhich had a discharge of 10 KLD or more, units covered underEnvironment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification. Units which had aninvestment of less than Rs 5 crore would be issued NOC on pollutionangle by the District Level Clearance Committee (DLCC) headed by therespective Deputy Commissioners as per the Haryana IndustrialPromotion Rules 2007. The Units included brick kilns and other plantsand machineries. Mrs Kiran Choudhry elaborately reviewed the different issuespertaining to pollution control in the State at the sixth meeting heldat at Panchkula today with the Haryana State Pollution Control Boardofficers and officials. She directed the Regional officers present inthe meeting to strictly deal with the pollution violators in the Stateand to carry on their work vigilantly and diligently. It was informed in the meeting that the Board had issued show causenotices to about 867 violators of Aravali notification at Gurgoan andissued closure orders of 241 units under the Water and Air Acts in theState in the current financial year. Around 4728 consent applicationswere received by the Board under the Water Act and 7986 applicationsunder the Air act this year. The Minister directed the Board to prosecute the environmentviolators under the law, failing to which the concerned official wouldbe suspended or penalized for negligence. She stressed thatEnvironment was an important issue today and no relaxation would begiven to anyone violating the norms. She asked the Regional Officersto provide the list of plastic bags and plastic products manufacturingunits functional in the State and directed them to slap notice on themanufacturing units which were not adhering to the norms. She directed all the regional officers to appoint environmentwardens in each ward in order to keep a check on the use of plasticbags and products. She asked them to spread awareness through ralliesand to conduct various wakeful activities pertaining to environment inthe State. She also asked the officers to submit a detailed report ofthe various activities which included awareness campaigns, functioningof the Eco Clubs in accordance to the calendar of events issued by theBoard. The Minister directed the Board to formulate a proper NOC procedureand make it available online; she said that each stage should beproperly explained in order to maintain transparency. She also askedthe board to amend the notification on priority basis which clearlylists the norms and criteria for closure and functioning of the StoneCrushers operational in the State. She urged the Regional officers to prepare an environmentalmovie and screen it in each school of the State through EDUSAT system.She asked them to expedite the awareness campaigns in their districtsthrough the members of the ECO clubs and young children. She said thatit was very important to sensitize the children on the various environmental issues as they were the future guardians of theEnvironment.

rooftop grid interactive solar PV system

November 12 The Union Government is contemplating to formulate and launch a scheme regarding rooftop grid interactive solar PV system for generation of electricity for commercial establishments, housing complexes and industries.
This was stated by the Secretary , Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Mr. Deepak Gupta today while presiding over a consultation meet on Rooftop grid interactive solar PV System for electricity generation held today at Gurgaon. The meet was organized by Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency ( HAREDA). The meet was attended by various stake holders like nursing homes, hospitals, IT parks, hotels, Malls, housing complexes, industries and Schools.
Mr. Gupta was in Gurgaon to know the response of the stake holders about launching of such scheme and after interacting with them he was happy with the overwhelming response. " In my opinion the government should go ahead with the scheme", remarked Mr Gupta.
Mr. Gupta today called upon Gurgaon residents to make it a solar city by adopting solar equipments in place of Diesel Genset Captive power.
He said that the power generated through gensets was not dependable for a longer period of time as the diesel prices were soaring high and petroleum reservoirs were constantly exhausting. Moreover, the emission of harmful gases like CO2 cause environmental hazards. It was high time that person in every field should think of adopting solar energy system as part of his life, Mr Gupta observed and added that the maintenance of this system was like dusting ones house. He asked the people present to start using solar energy system in some limited area of their premises or with some minimum load. At the same time, he observed that the glass used in buildings in Gurgaon was not energy efficient because in addition to the conventional electricity supply hundreds of gensets were used to keep these buildings cool. In the interest of future generations and for saving the environment from pollution, one should think of solar energy system.
Mrs Sumita Mishra Director HAREDA told that they have chosen Gurgaon for this project because here people with different line of thinking reside and they believe in bringing change. Moreover, the building sector in Gurgaon has a rapid growth rate of more than 20 per cent as against national average of 11 per cent. She told about the various schemes being run by HAREDA for promotion of solar energy system. Mrs Mishra told that a capital subsidy on domestic solar water heating system upto Rs. 10000 for all Haryana residents was being given and Haryana was the only state in India to provide 90 per cent financial assistance on installation of solar water heating system (SWHS) in social sector institutions like old age home, working women hostel and the like. During the last financial year, 1,30000 liters capacity of SWHS was installed in the state leading to a peak load saving of 1.3 MW and reduction of emission of 1950 tonnes of CO2. She told that the incentives have resulted in a phenomenal increase in installation of SWHS in domestic sector and during 2007-08, 125 domestic solar water heating systems of 30 thousand liter capacity were installed in the state. Gurgaon tops the list where 27 systems with approximate 5000 liter capacity were installed. Naming some institutions where this system has been installed, she told that Brahmkumari Ashram of village Bhorakalan has the largest steam cooking system in the country where food for 2000 persons was being prepared daily besides the solar water heating system. Financial assistance by way of soft loans through 30 banks was being provided for installing this eco-friendly system, Mrs Mishra added.

energy efficiency in agriculture

Nov.9 - With a view to promote energy conservation inagriculture sector and to ensure reliable power supply to tubewellconsumers, the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam plans to introduce anovel scheme for farmers under which an independent distribution transformer of the appropriate capacity/ rating will be provided tothe tubewell consumers who make an energy efficient water pumping installation. At present the State is supplying almost 50% of thetotal available electricity daily to the rural sector. There is 25%potential of saving electricity in the sector by making the existingtubewell systems energy efficient. Giving details of this ambitious scheme, a spokesman said here todaythat the Nigam has started the process of appointing energy auditorsto conduct an investment grade energy efficiency analysis of all thetubewell installations. Each tubewell installation would be analysed for energy efficiency. The recommendations of the energy auditorsshall be provided to the farmer. Any farmer who opts for making thenecessary changes to his pumping installation to make it more energyefficient shall be encouraged by the Nigam by providing him adedicated transformer. Upon complete implementation of the energyefficiency recommendations of the energy auditors, the farmer wouldget the installation checked again by the energy auditor and if theinstallation passes the requirements, a clearance certificate shall beissued to the farmer by the energy auditor. Upon submission of thecertificate to the Nigam, the Nigam would provide the farmer with anindependent transformer for his exclusive use. Under the scheme, the Nigam will provide the independenttransformer, convert the existing low tension lines into 11 KV linesi.e. High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) at its own cost. Afterhaving the independent transformer and new distribution system, thewilling consumers will be benefited by way of better voltage, reliableand uninterrupted power supply. It will also help improve efficiencyof motors, avoid their burnout due to less current as well as damageto distribution transformers and the system due to overloading. The Nigam would install distribution transformers of 6.3, 10, 16, 20,25 and 40 KVA capacity depending upon the load disclosed by theapplicant. The applicant will be the sole owner of the distributiontransformer and nobody else will be fed from that transformer. For availing benefit of the scheme, the willing consumer is requiredto make the installation 100% energy efficient. It will be in theinterest of the farmer (s) as well as the Nigam. It will be mandatory for the willing farmer to use HDPE / R –PVCpiping. He will ensure that the motor installed at the site is withminimum ISI mark and three star rating and as per the Bureau of EnergyEfficiency standards. The control cable and equipment like starters,capacitors etc. should be of good quality from ISO 9000 firms.Installation of capacitors by the farmer will be essential to improvethe power factor in the system. In addition, the applicants would also use Compact Fluorescent Lamps(CFLs) in place of conventional bulbs. The benefit of the scheme willnot be given to the defaulting consumers.

installation of solar water heating systems

Oct 26- Haryana Government has taken a lead in installationof solar water heating systems in social sector institutions as aninnovative initiative aimed at benefitting socially deprived sectionsof the society. The scheme has drawn applause from all quartersincluding the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy , Government ofIndia.Giving this information here today, an official spokesman said thatthe objective of the programme is to popularize the use of solar waterheating systems and conserve electricity and conventional fuels inwater heating applications on one hand and to take the latesttechnologies to the deprived sections of the society on the other.Under the Scheme, solar water heating systems are installed insocially oriented institutions with 90 per cent financial assistance.The popularity of the scheme can be gauged from the fact that HaryanaRenewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) has already installedsolar water heating systems of 42,800 lpd capacity at a cost ofapprox. Rs. 1.00 crore against a target of 40,000 lpd for the currentfinancial year.The spokesman further said that social sector institutions areworking for the welfare of the under privileged and deprived sectionsof the society and therefore, the State Govt. has decided to equipthem with solar geysers so that their inmates get hot water for theircooking, bathing and washing requirements in the winters. Under thescheme, socially orientated institutions like working women hostels,Orphanages, Deaf and Dumb Centres, Creches, Old age homes, NariNiketans, Bal Niketans, Sports Hostels, Charitable Institutes, naturaltreatment centres. Hostels for the Scheduled Caste students etc. whichare registered institutions for last three years and are working onno-profit basis are eligible for the financial assistance.Elaborating the solar water heating technology, the spokesman saidthat the cost of installation of solar water heating system rangesfrom Rs. 250/- per litre to Rs. 170/- per litre depending upon thecapacity of the systems. The larger the size the less will be the costof the system. A solar water heating system of 100 lpd capacity cansave about 1500 unit of electricity annually. Thousand no. of 100litre per day(LDP) capacity systems contribute to 1 MW peak loadshaving. In addition to this, a 100 LPD system also avoids emission of1.5 tonnes of CO2 annually. The payback period of a solar waterheating system is approx. 3 to 5 years. The solar water heatingsystems technology is a mature technology and has already establishedits market in the commercial sectors.The spokesman said that to popularize installation of solar geysersin domestic sector, the State Govt. is implementing the scheme forsolar water heating systems in individual homes under which capitalsubsidy upto Rs. 10,000/- is available on installation of solar waterheating systems. The user is free to chose the make of the solarwater heating systems provided it should be either BIS/.MNRE approved. Under this scheme, evacuated tube collectors (ETC) based systems arealso eligible for the subsidy.The spokesman further said that in addition to the capital subsidy,rebate in electricity bills is also available on installation of solarwater heating systems at Rs. 100 per month per 100 litre systeminstalled limited to Rs. 300 per month for a period of three years.Under the scheme, 125 solar water heating systems of 28,000 litrescapacity were installed in the State during the year 2007-08 which isthe highest no. of systems installed in the domestic category in ayear in the State so far.These unique schemes have resulted in saving of 1.5 million units ofelectricity translating into peak load shaving of 1.0 MW and CO2emission reduction by 1500 tonnes annually. The spokesman said thatthe Haryana is the first State in the country where such incentivesare available on installation of solar geysers. The spokesman saidthat interested people may contact office of the Additional DeputyCommissioner of their district or HAREDA to avail the benefits of this scheme.

Solar power plants in Sirsa and Faridabad

October 20 – Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy hassanction a project for installation of 15 Solar Power Plants of 1KWpeach in 13 sub-divisions of DHBVN, Sirsa and 2 Sub-divisions of DHBVNFaridabad with a total cost of approx. Rs. 52.50 lakh. While stating this here today, a spokesman of Haryana RenewableEnergy Development Agency (HAREDA) said that by using one such powerplant, two T-5 Retrofit Tubelights (28 watt), 10 numbers of 20 wattCFLs and 6 numbers of ceiling fan (50 watt) would be run, in eachsub-division office for four hours daily. He said that tenders havebeen invited and work order was being placed. He said that HAREDA had taken up multi-pronged strategy forpromotion of Solar Water Heating Systems in the State. Under thisprogramme, Haryana Government is providing a number of incentivesto the users of solar water heating systems. On installation of solarwater heating system of 100 litre and 200 litre capacities, capitalsubsidy of Rs 5000 and Rs 10,000 respectively was being provided todomestic consumers.Besides, a rebate of Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 300 per month was beinggiven on electricity bills to the domestic users of solar waterGeysers of 100 litres, 200 litres and 300 litres capacities, respectively.He said that the rebate was being given from the subsequent month ofinstallation for a period of three years. He said that the scheme wouldbe applicable only for residents of Haryana and employees of stategovernment residing in Chandigarh.To purchase solar geysers, the nationalized banks were providing easyloan facility at the rate of 2 per cent, 3 per cent and 5 per centinterest to domestic, institutional and commercial consumersrespectively. Apart from this, a rebate of Rs.3500 was also being givento registered institutions on installing 100 litres solar geyser whereas arebate of Rs.2800 to such commercial institutions who do not avail loanfacilities. Referring the benefits of solar water geysers, the spokesmaninformed that an amount of Rs.7200 per year (spent on electricity bill)could be saved by using 100 litres capacity solar geyser. Any otherinformation in this regard could be had from websitewww.hareda.gov.in, he added.

Waste water pilot project

Oct 8 - The Central Government and Haryana Government will jointly undertake a pilot project to check the fast decreasing underground water level in the State. Under the project dirty water ofthe villages will be collected in the village ponds and fish will becultured in these ponds, which not only replenish the undergroundwater table, but also augment the income of the panchayats.This was disclosed by Mr.C.P.Shrivastav, Superintending Geologist ofCentral Underground Water Board while inspecting the rural pondsconstructed for this purpose in the village Barna of Kurukshetradistrict and village Saleempur Madud of Kaithal district.He said that under the project the village ponds would be dividedinto two parts to collect clean and dirty water separately. The cleanwater would be used for animals and dirty water for fisheries. The underground water table was fast depleting due to use of excessive water for growing paddy in the paddy zone of the State. If the processof using excessive water continued, even the submersible tubewellwould also fail creating acute shortage of water for drinking andirrigation purposes, he added.

Essay writing competition on renewable energy

October 4 - Taking a new initiative for popularization ofenergy conservation among school children, the Haryana RenewableEnergy Development Agency (HAREDA) has decided to conduct an EssayWriting Competition for the students of 6th to 8th standard of the State. The topic for the Essay is "EnergyConservation –Need of the Hour".Giving this information, Director HAREDA, Mrs Sumita Misra, saidthat the Department of Renewable Energy, was the State DesignatedAgency for implementation of the Energy Conservation Act 2001 andother related programmes. It had been felt that there was a great needfor creation of mass awareness among the public on this vital issue.HAREDA had undertaken a massive awareness campaign to promote energyconservation in the State. As a part of it, an essay writingcompetition would be organized this year for the students at thedistrict and state level. The aim of competition was to motivate thechildren towards energy conservation and to offer them a chance toexpress their ideas on energy conservation.Mrs Misra said that schools all across the state would organize thecompetition at their own level and then forward the best two entriesto the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of their respectivedistrict by October 21, 2008. The students would have to write anessay of about 500 words in two hours. The ADC office would evaluatethese entries and select best five entries for district level awardsand send the same to HAREDA by November 5, 2008. HAREDA would selectbest 50 entries for State level competition and these students wouldbe invited to Panchkula for writing the essays on a related topic onNovember 25. The students would be paid Rs.500 each to meet theirtraveling expenses.Giving details of the prizes, she said that at district level, thefirst prize carries a cash prize of Rs. 1500, second prize Rs. 1000,third prize Rs. 750 and two consolation prizes of Rs. 500 each. Theseprizes would be given in the District Level Energy Conservation DayFunctions. For the state level competition, first prize of Rs.21,000,second prize of Rs.15,000, third prize of Rs.10,000 and tenconsolation prizes of Rs.2000 each would be given. These prizes wouldbe given in the State Level Energy Conservation Day Function to beorganized in December, 2008 by HAREDA.She called upon all the school authorities in the State to activelyparticipate in the Essay Writing Competition and send their two bestentries to the ADC of their district.

Energy conservation action plan

Chandigarh, Sept 29 - Haryana Department of Renewable Energy hasprepared an energy conservation action plan under which energy auditof large Government buildings will be conducted to optimize the levelof energy consumption.While stating this today, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Chander Mohansaid that Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) hasinvited bids from the energy service companies empaneled by the Bureauof Energy Efficiency (BEE) of Government of India to carry out energyaudit of 20 large Government buildings by October 15, 2008.He said that the energy audit of these large Government buildingswould be conducted this year with financial assistance of BEE. Thesebuildings included Haryana Bhawan, New Delhi,General Hospital,Panchkula, B.K. Hospital, Faridabad,Hotel Raj Hans, Faridabad, IndianOil Corporation R & D Center, Faridabad,General Hospital, Bhiwani,National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Civil HospitalMandikhera,Nuh, Samanya Hospital, Gurgaon, Vidyut Sadan,Hisar,Babakhetanath Government Polytechnic, Narnaul, mini secretariats atAmbala, Jind, Jhajjar, Kurukshetra,Yamunanagar, Haryana Board ofSchool Education, Bhiwani, Moti Lal Nehru Sports School, Rai andPt.BDS Post-graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak.He said that the broad objective of energy audit of these buildingswas to measure the present energy consumption, monitor and analyse useof energy and suggest ways to optimize power consumption in thefeeders of lighting, air conditioning systems and others withinstallation of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), T-5 FTLs,LEDsinduction lights, metal helides lamps, star rated air conditioners,power capacitor bank, automatic voltage regulator, LED solar streetlights and solar water heating systems. Energy audit also aimed atminimizing energy cost. The owners of buildings would have toimplement the energy efficient measures recommended by the energyauditor out of their own resources, he added.He said that energy audit of ten Government buildings includingHaryana Raj Bhawan has been completed and recommendations for use ofCFLs and T-5, 28 watt tube lights made by the energy audit company hasalso been implemented to conserve energy.He said that Energy Conservation Act 2001 has come into force witheffect from March 1, 2007. The State Government has designated theDepartment of Renewable Energy, as the State nodal agency toimplement energy conservation measures in the State to comply with theprovisions of this Act.

State level conservation award

September 25 – Haryana Renewable Energy Department(HAREDA) has invited nominations for State Level Energy ConservationAwards 2007-08 upto October 15, 2008.While stating this here today, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. ChanderMohan said that to recognize the efforts of Industrial, Commercial andGovernment building sectors consumers in conserving energy, the StateGovernment had started encouraging such each category consumers by wayof giving them Rs. two lakh to Rs.50,000 cash awards. He said thatfrom this year, two new categories of prizes namely Educational andCommercial building would be added. Hotels, hospitals, shopping mallsand plazas were included in commercial buildings, he said.The Deputy Chief Minister said that applications could be submittedthrough concerned Additional Deputy Commissioner and the awardproforma could be downloaded from website www.hareda.gov.in. He saidthat Haryana was one of the few states in the country where Statelevel Energy Conservation Awards scheme was implemented since 2005-06.Mr. Chander Mohan said that during the last year, Maruti Suzuki IndiaLimited, Gurgoan was awarded with first prize under which cash prizeof Rs.one lakh, a certificate and shield had been provided. Similarly,Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Panipat refinery had got second prizeunder which cash prize of Rs.50,000, a certificate and shield had beengiven. He said that under High Tension (HT) consumer category, ShaktiBhavan Panchkula was awarded with first prize of Rs.one lakh, acertificate and shield. This award had been given the Haryana ChiefMinister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda on December 18, 2007 during a StateLevel Function on Energy Conservation Day, he added.

Sewage projects in the state

Sept 22 - Haryana Government has approved over Rs 297.93crore out of State plan for implementation of sewerage projects in 38towns of the State and out of it over Rs 102.73 crore have alreadybeen incurred to provide this facility.This was revealed in a meeting presided over by Chief Minister, MrBhupinder Singh Hooda to review the laying of sewerage system invarious towns of the State here today.These 38 towns included Assandh, Barwala in district Hisar,Bahadurgarh, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri,Guhla Cheeka, Dabwali, Ellenabad,Fatehabad, Gurgaon, Hansi, Indri, Jagadhri, Jhajjar,Jind, Kaithal,Kalka, Kalanwali, Karnal, Mohindergarh, Naraingarh, Narnaund, Narwana,Narnaul, Pehowa,Pundri, Rohtak, Rania, Shahbad,Sirsa, Siwani,Sonepat,Tohana,Thanesar, Uchana and Yamunanagar.The Chief Minister directed Commissioner and Secretary HaryanaPublic Works (Water Supply and Sanitation) Department, Mr Roshan Lalto complete the on going works speedily.The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of sewerage projects ineight towns under National Capital Region for which projects wereapproved in February 2006. These town included Hodal, Sohna, Palwal,Rewari, Rohtak, Gohana,Panipat and Samalkha. A sum of over Rs 98.51crore has been sanctioned for these projects and these would becompleted by February next.While reviewing the progress of sewerage projects being implementedin the towns of Bahadurgarh, Bawal, Beri, Kalanaur, Meham, Sampla,Kosli, Bhakli and Railway station Kosli, Ganaur and Kharkhoda, it wasobserved that a sum of over Rs 86.61 crore had been approved fortheir implementation. It was decided to complete these projects bySeptember end 2009 instead of December end 2009.It was informed that sewerage projects were being prepared for thetowns of Pataudi and Faraukhnagar.The towns where sewerage works were in progress under Yamuna ActionPlan Phase -II included Yamunanagar, Karnal, Panipat, Sonepat,Gurgaonand Faridabad. Their implementation would cost over Rs 32.45 crore.Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, M.L.Tayal and AdditionalPrincipal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr K.K.Khandelwal and seniorofficers of Public Works (Water Supply and Sanitation) Departmentwere present in the meeting.

MOU for solar energy

23 September - The Haryana Renewable Energy DevelopmentAgency(HAREDA) will sign Memorandums of Understanding with 6Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to generate 12 MW power from SolarEnergy on 24rd September, 2008. These MoUs will be signed in presenceof Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Giving this information an official spokesman of HAREDA said thatSmt. Sumita Misra, director, HAREDA will sign these MoUs on behalf ofHAREDA. The spokesman further said that the MOUs will be signed withM/s R.S.India Wind Energy Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi and M/s EstonfieldRenewable Resources Pvt. Ltd., Kolkatta each for setting up solarpower projects of 3 MW capacity, with M/s Epuron Renewable Energy Pvt.Ltd., New Delhi and M/s Azure Power India, New Delhi each for settingup solar power projects of 2 MW capacity. In addition to these, MoUswill also be signed with M/s Omax Auto Ltd., Gurgaon and M/s SelectoSystems Pvt. Ltd., Faridabad each for setting up solar power projectsof 1 MW capacity as a special case as these projects being the rooftopprojects do not require any purchase of land, can be commissioned inshorter span of time and can be showcased for replication in otherindustries. These projects shall be set up by these power developersbefore December, 2009 with a total investment of approximately Rs.240.00 crores. The spokesman informed that Haryana is one of the first few States inthe country to have taken the initiative to set up Solar Energy basedpower projects in Mega Watt scale.. HAREDA had invited proposals fromIPPs for setting up solar power projects in the State under theMinistry of New & Renewable Energy, Govt of India tariff subsidyscheme. HAREDA had received tremendous response from the privatedevelopers to set up solar power projects in the State. The powerproduced from these projects will be fed to the State Grid for whichthe Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission has already issued thetariff order for purchase of power from Solar PV Projects. This powershall be purchased by the State Utilities @ Rs. 15.96 per unit, out ofwhich Rs. 12/- per unit shall be provided by the Ministry of New &Renewable Energy, Govt. of India as generation based incentives underits Grid Interactive Solar PV Generation Programme. The spokesman inforrmed that the solar radiation level in the Stateis in the range of 5.5 KWH to 6.5 KWH per square meter of area and theState has about 320 clear sunny days in a year. This offers a greatpotential for using solar energy for various thermal and electricalenergy applications in the State. But, the potential available fromsolar energy is yet to be harnessed in MW scale in the country.

rajiv gandhi thermal power project hissar

Sept. 20 – In order to ensure scheduled power generationby 1200 MW Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Project, Hisar, the HaryanaPower Generation Corporation Ltd. (HPGCL) has invited competitivebids for setting up of a coal washery at the project site. A spokesman of the HPGCL said here today that the coalhaving less than 34% ash contents would be used in the plant for powergeneration as per the norms of Ministry of Environment & Forest(MOEF). The coal requirement for the plant will be in September, 2009. Referring to the need of setting up of the coal washery,he said, in the first phase for 500 MW capacity, 2.31 metric tonesper annum (MTPA) of 'F' grade coal was sanctioned from MahanadiCoalfields Ltd. (MCL), Sambalpur, Orissa. In the second phase, forbalance 700 (600 +100) MW, 3.24 MTPA of 'F' grade coal had also beensanctioned from MCL for which the Counter Guarantee(CG) in the shapeof Bank Guarantee (BG) for Rs. 1425.60 lacs had been submitted withMCL on June 26, 2008 in terms of New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP).Thus a total of 5.55 MTPA quantity of coal of 'F' grade had beensanctioned. The project is likely have the coal from the IBCoalfields, Orissa of MCL. The ash contents of the coal are more thanthe recommended norms. MCL is going to set up its own washery of 10Metric Tonnes Per Annum in the IB valley area but the same is notlikely to be operational before 2011 whereas the plant needed the coalin September,09. Though after washing of coal yield shall be 72% but therewill be numerous advantages in addition of ash to the tune of 34% orless. The main advantages include improvement in thermal efficiency,reduction in transportation cost of coal, reduction in CO2 emissionsdue to reduced fuel consumption, less auxiliary consumption, reductionin operation and maintenance cost, less requirement of land and waterfor ash disposal etc. The spokesman further stated that the HPGCL had issued sixtender documents to the bidders so far. The last date of submission ofthe bid documents is September,26 afternoon and the bids will beopened on the same day in the presence of bidders.

Illegal Mining in Aravalis and Polybags

September 19 – Haryana Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Mrs. Kiran Choudhry today directed the Regional Officers of Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB) to constitute a committee to keep strict check on illegal mining at Aravalli range and to submit a video graphed report within 30 days to the Board. Mrs. Choudhry while presiding over a meeting asked the officers of the HPCB to take strict actions against those who were involved in illegal mining and regular reports of violations and prosecutions should be submitted to the Board.The Minister said that mining at Aravalli range is a serious threat to the environment and the violations should be dealt with strictness. She said that the Regional Officers of HPCB should properly take up the cases of violations and prosecutions should be launched immediately against the violators. She said that it was learnt that in some districts, farm land were being utilized for purposes other than agriculture which is a violation according to the Aravalli notification. She said that it had been directed to all the Deputy Commissioners in the state to abide by the Performa prepared by the HPCB for any land use. She directed the officers to write the concerned departments to complete the work of Sewerage Treatment Plant at Panipat in a time bound manner. The Minister said that regular samples should be collected from the cess pools and should be sent to district authorities regularly. She said that an inventory should be prepared of the industries which were functional without Treatment Plants in district Panipat. The Minister said that all the information regarding the prosecution and directions should be made available on the website of the HPCB. She said that the crushers functional at Gurgaon should be closed immediately and prompt actions should be launched against them. Mrs. Choudhry directed the officers to regularly visit Eco-Clubs and hold activities in accordance with the calendar issued by the HPCB. She said that Eco-Clubs are the arms of pollution wing and to enhance their working, more financial assistance would be provided to them. She said that a State Level function would be organized in the first week of November wherein all the Eco-Clubs functioning in the state would participate. She directed all the Regional Officers to organise regular competitions and functions at their respective districts for the members of the Eco-Clubs. The Minister said that hoardings carrying warnings, on the ban of usage and manufacturing of plastic products below 30 microns should be put across the districts and on the major road sides. She asked the officers to prepare a list of plastic manufacturers and submit it to the headquarters within a week. She directed the Board officers to start penalising the manufacturers of plastic products and spread awareness regarding the usage of plastic, through weekly advertisements in the newspapers. She said that people should be made aware that the State has put a ban on the usage of plastic which do not adhere to the norms specified by the Board.

indire gandhi super thermal power project jhajjar

Sept. 18 – Aravali Power Company Pvt. Ltd. (APCPL), ajoint venture of Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd. (HPGCL),Govt. of Delhi and NTPC has initiated various developmental andwelfare activities in the area surrounding Indira Gandhi Super ThermalPower Project Jhajjar, as a part of its corporate socialresponsibility.A spokesman of HPGCL said here today that Community DevelopmentProgramme (CDP) for the larger community interest and for addressingthe critical needs of the villages has been formulated. A VillageDevelopment Advisory Committee (VDAC) comprising representatives fromdistrict administration, neighborhood villages and APCPL has beensetup for the development of four villages namely Jharli, KhanpurKhurd, Goriya and Mohanbari in the first phase. These villages wouldbe developed as model villages and shall have all the facilities asper the State policy.In its first meeting the Committee discussed the requirements of thevillagers and various modalities for implementation and asked thevarious village representatives and Panchayat officers to give theirconsent on the matter. The spokesman added that a sum of Rs. 4.60crore has been sanctioned for strengthening the local power supplydistribution system of 22 villages and estimate for the same is beingprepared by the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam. The Nigam hasstarted implementation of high voltage distribution system to ensureuninterrupted power supply with better voltage in the villages ofdistrict Jhajjar.APCPL would also be promoting various income generating schemes forland contributors such as award of petty contracts, allotment of shopsin township, vehicle hiring, allotment of PCOs/Internet kiosks,allotment of canteen, newspaper vending, courier and thickeningservices, water carriers and local transportation, etc.It has also proposed to provide financial assistance in the form ofscholarship/ reimbursement of tuition fees of the children of thesevillages and supplying of books for weaker sections. It is alsoplanning to adopt two Industrial Training Institute at villagesMatanhail and Jhajjar which are under construction. The company isalso arranging medical checkup camps for the people.He also said that such activities are also being initiated for allpower Generation Stations in Haryana.

Mega Thermal Power plant in jhajjar

Sept. 17- The expert committee of Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOE&F) has accorded environmental clearance for the proposed 1320 MW Mega Thermal Power Project at Jhajjar on the basis of super critical technology. This has paved the way for the establishment of such projects in the State with supercritical technology.The supercritical technology projects involve the generation of steam at higher temperature and higher pressure leading to higher efficiency levels in the generation of electricity also. Because of higher efficiency the cost of generation also comes down in the long run.A spokesman for the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Ltd. said here today that the senior officers of MOE&F in a meeting with the HPGCL discussed the issue in detail and agreed with the proposal. Earlier, environmental clearance for setting up the project with sub critical technology was conveyed by the MOE&F. He said that the detail project report and the presentation was prepared by the team of officers headed by Chief of Operations, HPGCL, Mr J.C. Kinra, Technical Consultant, R.S. Bhatti and S.E. Technical, H.R. Satija. He said that the proposed project to be set up by CLP Power would be the first project of its kind in northern region. Recently, Union Power Secretary, Mr Anil Razdan has also emphasized the need for setting up of the projects with super critical technology in the country. Supercritical design boilers are environment friendly and use less coal to generate the same amount of electricity.The 1320 MW Jhajjar project would have two units of 660 MW each. The first unit of the project is expected to be commissioned by December,2011 and the second unit by April, 2012. The State would get more than 300 lac units of electricity daily after commissioning of these units, he added.

Agriculture and water saving techniques

September 16 - In order to encourage the farmers to adopt different water saving techniques suited to their field conditions, Haryana Agriculture Department has decided to give assistance to the farmers to lay underground pipeline system, installation of sprinkle irrigation system and construction of tanks.
While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Agriculture Department said that the groundwater in most part of the state was brackish which was unfit for irrigating the field crops. The brackish water could be used effectively by mixing fresh water available in tanks. Sprinkle and drip irrigation could also be used for this purpose.
He said that the State Government has implemented a scheme "Water Saving Technologies" and had earmarked a sum of Rs. 2.25 crore to help the farmers to adopt such advanced practices for the effective use of brackish water mixed with fresh water to irrigate their crops. Assistance was being provided to the farmers to effectively use the brackish water by mixing fresh water through canals in the tank. He said that similarly farmers were also provided assistance to lay underground pipeline system and sprinkle irrigation system.
He said that recognizing the need to promote sustainable agriculture in the State that replenishes soil health, environmentally sound and water conserving as well as economically attractive to the farmers a new scheme for promotion of sustainable Agriculture-Strategic initiatives was being implemented by the State Government. The four components of the scheme included promotion of green manuring and organic farming, extension through mass media and modernization, integration and computerization of soil, water and seed testing facilities. A sum of Rs. 8 crore has been earmarked for the implementation of this scheme during the current financial year.
He said another scheme for the promotion of crop diversification was also being implemented to promote pulse crop particularly summer moong in paddy-wheat areas to provide an alternate crop to summer paddy growers. An area of 40,000 hectares was proposed to be covered under summer moong which would require 12000 quintals of seed. Subsidy at the rate of 50 per cent on the cost of seed with a maximum limit of Rs.15000 per quintal was provided to the farmers. The crop of cultivation of sunflower would also be promoted under diversification programme.

CFL's

Chandigarh, Sept 12 - In Haryana 702 villages have been converted to Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) by getting installed 6.71 Lakh CFLs by Power Utilities and Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) so far.This was revealed by Mrs. Sumita Mishra, Director, HAREDA while addressing delegates from all over India on second day of the Third Annual Conference organized by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at “India Electricity – 2008” at New Delhi today.She said that Haryana was the first State in the country which had decided to replace conventional lighting fixtures with energy efficient CFLs and T-5 (28 watt) tube lights in all government buildings by January 1, 2008. She said that 97,000 CFLs and 1.05 lakh T-5 Tube lights had been replaced in government offices so far with an investment of Rs. 4.52 crores which resulted in annual saving of Rs. 8.36 crores in the electricity bills translating into an equivalent annual saving of 3.4 MW.She said that Power Utilities would provide two 20 watt CFLs free of cost to each Below Poverty Line (BPL) consumer at the time of release of new connections. She said that the State Government had made the use of CFLs and T-5 (28 watt) energy efficient tube lights and Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps mandatory for all electricity consumers in Industrial, Commercial and institutional sectors having load of 30 Kilo watt or above. Similarly, in all the Central Government Offices and Central Public Sector Undertaking Institutions and Establishments in State, the use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and T-5 (28 watts) energy efficient tube lights and Light emitting Diode (LED) Lamps would be made mandatory. She said that these orders would become effective from August 15, 2008.She said that State Government had made mandatory to use energy efficient street lighting in all existing and new colonies and urban areas notified by the Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana Urban Development Authority Sectors, HSIDC, Industrial Estates, Housing Complexes, Colonies and Townships developed by private, semi government, autonomous institutions using T-5 tube lights, LED lamps, Low Pressure Sodium Vapour, High Pressure Sodium Vapour lamps. She said that these measures had a potential of saving 224 MW electricity annually. This order would be applicable from March 31, 2009.She said that in case of non-compliance of these orders the Power Utilities could disconnect the electricity connections after serving due notice to the consumer after the expiry of deadline.

2 day training program on energy auditing in buildings.

Chandigarh, 9 September: Haryana has the credit of being one of the front runner State in the field of energy conservation and renewable energy. Haryana has a potential of saving about 500 MW electricity through energy conservation and the State Government is taking necessary measures to tap this potential. This was stated by Principal Secretary, Power and Renewable Energy Departments, Mr Ashok Lavasa, while inaugurating a two day Training Programme on Energy Auditing in Buildings at Panchkula near here today. He said that there is a need to sensitize all public about the judicious use of energy so that it can be utilised for gainful applications and also conserved for future generation.He said that urbanisation is inevitable in a developing country. However, we should find ways for sustainable urbanisation and energy conservation should be developed as a habit in every citizen. The workshop was organised by the Haryana Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) in collaboration with European Union and National Productivity Council under the European Union-India Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative (EISEEI).Director, Renewable Energy and HAREDA, Mrs Sumita Misra briefly presented the achievements of the department. She said that buildings are a major consumer of electricity and with growing urbanisation, there is a great potential for energy conservation in the building sector. Energy audit in buildings is the first step towards saving energy in buildings. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gerhard Weihs, Head, Centric Austria International Vienna, Austria said that about 27 per cent energy in buildings could be saved through sustainable building design and operational features. He said that we should adopt best practices for replication in our buildings to make them more comfortable and energy efficient. Director (Energy Management), National Productivity Council(NPC), New Delhi, Mr D. Pawan Kumarmade a presentation on Energy Audit techniques. In this training programme Regional Director, NPC, Kolkatta, Mr A.K. Sinha, was also a key speaker.

community driven decentralized model of water management

August 26 - Community-driven decentralized model of watermanagement is required today. Water conservation need to be made acommunity and societal concern. This was stated by renownedenvironmentalist and Magasayay award winner Rajender Singh in aspecial lecture programme at the Institute of Management studies&Research (IMSAR) of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak.Rajender Singh in his inspiring address said that social awareness isneed of the hour for the cause of water conservation. He commentedthat future of Earth is safe only when there is symbiotic relationshipbetween nature and mankind. He exhorted the youth to spread themessage of water conservation. He shared his experiences related towater conservation movement in Rajasthan.MDU Vice-Chancellor Dr. R.P. Hooda in his presidential address saidthat experience(s) shared by noted environmentalist Rajender Singh wasa learning experience. He termed Rajender Singh as an inspiring andvisionary community leader. Director, IMSAR Prof. A.K. Rajan deliveredthe welcome address and Prof. Dalip Singh expressed the vote ofthanks. Dr. H J Ghosh Roy conducted this special lecture programme. Aquestion answer session was also organized on the occasion.Faculty members, students of IMSAR, and local intelligentsia werepresent in the programme.

haryana state environment impact assessment authority

August 26 - The Haryana State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) is accepting applications alongwith project reports for industrial units and conceptual plan for construction projects for environmental clearance.While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Authority said that applications complete in all respect could be submitted in person or sent by registered post to the office of the Authority, Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh.He warned all the concerned people not to perform the activities listed in the schedule of Environment Impact Assessment Notification dated September 14, 2006 without prior environmental clearance from the Authority. Violators would be prosecuted as per the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, he added.It may be mentioned that large-scale industries which fall in category 'A' require environment clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India and small industries which fall in category 'B' require environment clearance from the Haryana State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, which has been constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests as per notification dated April 21, 2008.

Shivalik Development Board

Chandigarh, August 19- Shivalik Development Board, Haryana has decideto promote horticultural and Watershed Management programmes in thearea falling under the Board in a big way which would be helpful increating large scale job opportunities for the people residing in thisarea and also in maintaining ecological balance.A decision to this effect was taken in the 18th meeting of Board whichwas held here today under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, whois also the Chairman of the Board. The area under Shivalik DevelopmentBoard comprised of area falling in Shivalik region of districts ofAmbala, Yamunanagar and Panchkula. The present Government hadallocated to a sum of Rs. 41 crore to Shivalik Development Board forthe development of the Shivalik region of the state during the lastthree years whereas a total sum of about Rs. 59 crore was spent bythe Board during the last twelve years(1993-2005) of the previousGovernments. It reflects how keenly the present Government wasfocussing its attention for the development of this area.The Chief Minister said that the hilly area of Haryana would bedeveloped on the same footing of state of Himachal Pradesh and acomprehensive plan would be prepared for this purpose. Farmers'interest in the cultivation of horticultural crops like spices,flowers, fruits and vegetables which had an ample scope in this areawould be generated. He also directed the officers to maintain thequality of work in the projects initiated in this area. Electricityconnection to the installed tubewells of this area should be given onpriority basis, he added.The Chief Minister directed the officers of Public Health, PWD andAgricultural Marketing Board to undertake massive developmental worksof the area falling under Shivalik Development Board especially thehilly area of Morni and strengthen its basic infrastructure.Annual Action Plan 2008-09 of over Rs. 27.97 crore was approved in themeeting which included Watershed Management, Drinking Water andSanitation, Rural Connectivity, Horticulture and Agriculture and otherschemes like Solar Energy, Health and Education.Others who were present in the meeting included the Deputy ChiefMinister, Mr. Chander Mohan, the Finance Minister, Mr. Birender Singh,the Agriculture Minister, Mr Harmohinder Singh Chatha, the HealthMinister, Mrs Kartar Devi, the Revenue Minister, Mrs Savitri Jindal,the Deputy Chairman, High Powered Committee Relating to 20-PointProgramme, Mr. Phool Chand Mullana, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary,Mr. Dharambir Singh and senior officers of various departments.

Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Divas

Chandigarh, August 19 - Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy,Mr Vilas Muttemwar today said that the national level function tocelebrate Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Divas this year would be organisedin Haryana at Panchkula tomorrow.The Union Minister, who was addressing a joint press conference alongwith Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, here todaysaid that India was the only country to have an independent Ministryof New and Renewable Energy. He said that with a view to give impetusto the renewable energy revolution in the country, the UPA Governmentat the Centre had, five years ago decided to celebrate Akshay UrjaDivas on August 20, which happenes to be the birthday of former PrimeMinister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. Two years ago a postal stamp on Akshay Urjawas also released.He described the sources of energy as the parameters of a country'sprogress adding that fossil fuel was depleting and now efforts werebeing made to promote renewable energy. He said that the former PrimeMinister, Mr. Indira Gandhi had initiated a separate department ofRenewable Energy in 1980 which later on became a separate ministry.He said that today India ranked at number four in wind energyfollowed by Germany, Spain and USA. He said that in case of solarenergy, India had a potential of generation of 5000 trillion MW andit could supply solar energy to the entire world.He appreciated that Haryana Government had decided to generate 10 percent of its energy requirement through renewable sources of energy.This was more than many other States, he added.He said that both Haryana and Punjab were leading in foodgrainproduction and the agricultural waste could help in setting up of biomass projects and subsidy and loan would be provided for theseprojects. A first of its kind thermal solar power project in Asiawould be set up at Nagpur district to generate 10 MW of power. Thiswould be the biggest project in Asia. The solar power generationprojects have less gestation period and its construction cost has alsocome down.Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that this yearHaryana has the honour of organizing the national level function onRajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Divas, in association with the Union Ministryof New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), at Panchkula tomorrow.The national level function of Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas wouldstart at the Parade Ground, Panchkula at 7 a.m. tomorrow with anational half marathon of 21kms in which about 1500 athletes wouldparticipate. The 1st prize will be of Rs one lakh lakh each for Menand Women categories, 2nd prize is of Rs 71,000 each and the 3rd prizeis of Rs 51,000 each for Men & Women. It will be followed by anAkshay Urja Rally of about 15000 students from Chandigarh, Panchkulaand Mohali. For the first time in the tricity, a sky diving show willalso be organized. One of the main attractions of the function will bethe rally of Electric Vehicles (two wheelers, three wheelers & Fourwheelers) manufactured and developed in India. Haryana renewableenergy programmes are implemented with the help of village Panchayats.To encourage Panchayats to participate in the renewable energyprogrammes they are awarded every year. On this occasion, Panchayatswill also be awarded for their participation in the Renewable EnergyProgrammes during the year 2007-2008.Mr. Hooda said that the State Government has more than doubled theAnnual Plan allocation of the Department of Renewable Energy. TheDepartment of Renewable Energy has taken many important initiativesand has brought the State on the renewable energy map of thecountry.The President of India Mrs Pratibha Patil awarded threeNational Awards to the Department of Renewable Energy, Hayana for itsexcellent performance in various renewable energy programmes onNovember 22, 2007 on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Function of theUnion Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.These awards are - FirstPrize for Solar Urban Programme, First Prize for Solar CookerProgramme and Third Prize for Solar Photovoltaic DemonstrationProgramme. He said that Haryana Government has notified a Renewable EnergyPower Policy for attracting private investment in generation ofelectricity from Renewable Energy Sources. Under this policy,Renewable Energy Power Projects have been given industry status undernew Industrial Policy, 2005 , in addition to many other incentives. Mr Hooda said that 30 MoUs have been signed on February 20,2007 withten Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for generation of 697.8 MW ofpower with an investment of Rs. 3278 crores from 30 projects based onBiomass, Small Hydro and Wind Energy. The projects are underimplementation and likely to be commissioned by mid 2009. Also,Letters of Intent are also being issued to six IPPs for generation of12 MW power with an approximate investment of Rs. 254 crores by theIPPs using solar photovoltaic technology under the Union Ministry ofNew and Renewable Energy's SPV Tariff Subsidy Scheme.The tariffsannounced by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) forthese projects are the highest in the country with the tariff forbiomass power projects being at Rs four per unit, for Mini Hydel Rs3.67 per unit, Bagasse Cogeneration Rs 3.74 per unit, Wind Rs 4.08 perunit (base year 2007-2008 annual escalation at a rate of two percent, 1.5 per cent, two per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively). ForSolar Photovoltaic Based Power Projects also the tariff announced bythe HERC is the highest in the country at Rs.15.96 per unit. Haryana is the first State in the country to implement a SpecialProject for street lighting of villages dominated by members belongingto Scheduled Castes. Under Phase-I, 1489 solar street lights wereinstalled at a cost of Rs. 3.83 crores in 222 villages of Ambala,Panchkula and Yamunanagar districts.In Phase-II, 314 solar street lighting systems have been installed in12 villages of Rohtak and Jhajjar at a cost of Rs.70.65 lakhs. Theseprojects are funded by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energyand Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. In the 3rd phase, this project is proposed to be implemented in thevillages dominated by Scheduled Castes or Minority in districts ofKurukshetra, Kaithal, Panipat, Sonepat & Mewat where 2199 solar streetlights will be installed at a cost of Rs 4.97 crores.As many as 194unelectrified dhanies of Morni block in district Panchkula have beenelectrified with solar energy at a cost of Rs 387.56 lakhs benefiting625 households under the Remote Village Electrification Project.TheDepartment has taken up multi-pronged strategy for promotion of SolarWater Heating Systems in the State. Under this programme, HaryanaGovernment is providing a number of incentives to the users of solarwater heating systems.On installation of solar water heating system,capital subsidy of Rs 5000 on 100 litre and RS.1 0,000 on 200 litreis provided. He said that a rebate in electricity bills is provided to the usersof solar water heating systems in the domestic sectors at a rate ofRs. 100 per month per 100 LPD capacity system. For 100 LPD system theannual rebate is Rs 1200 and for 300 LPD system, the annual rebate inelectricity bill is of Rs.3600. Those present on the occasion included Deputy Chief Minister MrChander Mohan, Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister, MrM.L.Tayal, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Power MrAshok Lavasa, Director Renewable Energy Department, Mrs Sumita Misraand senior officers of Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

National level celebration of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas

Chandigarh, Aug 20 - Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda today, on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas, announced to implement a new scheme known as “Shiksha Deep” in the State.The Chief Minister, who was speaking at the national level celebrations of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas at Panchkula, near here today, said that under this scheme, LED solar lanterns would be provided to those girl students of each school in every village who would rank first in their respective classes of 5th, 8th,10th and 12th. During this year, the innovative scheme would benefit 19,000 girls and cost Rs three crore.The Chief Minister also urged the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, who was present on the occasion, to introduce a chapter on renewable energy in the syllabus of classes 6th to 8th so as to make the children aware of the significance of renewable energy from an early age. He added that we would not succeed unless we involve the children in a movement for such a vital cause. He also requested that a city of Haryana be included in the list of cities to be developed as Solar Cities in the country.The Chief Minister said that 30 MoUs have been signed with ten Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for generation of 697.8 MW of power with an investment of Rs. 3278 crores from 30 projects based on Biomass, Small Hydro and Wind Energy. The projects are under implementation and likely to be commissioned by mid 2009.While paying rich tributes to the former Prime Minister Late Mr Rajiv Gandhi, Mr Hooda said that the indebited nation was celebrating his 65th birthday as Akshya Urja Diwas. He urged the people to realise the dream of the departed leader who wanted india to be stronger and more prosperous.He stressed the need for generation of power through renewable sources of energy saying that the growing demand for power could not be met with coal or oil. Therefore, renewable energy was the only solution to the future needs. He said that the State Government would spend Rs 20 crore for promotion of renewable energy during the year 2008-09.The Chief Minister announced that all schools in Panchkula would remain closed tomorrow in view of large scale participation by school children in national level function of Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas at Panchkula. While reminding Haryana’s significant role in green revolution which led to self sufficiency in foodgrains for the country, Mr Vilas Muttemwar hoped that the State would also lead in the area of renewable energy. If the country succeeds in enough generation of renewable energy, it would not have to beg power from other countries as was the case of foodgrains.Mr Vilas Muttemwar expressed his serious concern over shortage of power saying that 56 per cent people in the country were still without electricity. The reserves of coal and oil were depleting and the country has to purchase oil at a very heavy price. Therefore, it was high time to launch a mass movement to change the prevailing situation and further popularise renewable energy. The children could play a vital role in this drive by taking message to every home. He appreciated the efforts made by Haryana Government in promotion of renewable energy adding that Haryana has already won three National Awards in implementation of various schemes of renewable energy. Mr Vilas Muttemwar said that five years ago the Government had decided to celebrate Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas and national level functions had been organised at different places. He thanked the Chief Minister for offering to hold the function in Panchkula this year.Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Ms Selja complemented Mr Vilas Muttemwar for deciding to celebrate the birthday of Mr Rajiv Gandhi as Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas. She highlighted the significance of nuclear energy and added that UPA Chairperson Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh had decided to join the club of nuclear energy in the interest of the country. She also urged the Haryana Government to promote the concept of “Green Buildings” so as to conserve energy. Deputy Chief Minister Mr Chander Mohan also paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister Mr Rajiv Gandhi and said that efforts would be made to realise the dreams of Mr Rajiv Gandhi. He said that Mr Rajiv Gandhi would be long remembered for empowerment of Panchayti Raj Institutions.Union Secretary for New and Renewable Energy, Mr Deepak Gupta said that after revolutions in IT and telecommunications, now it was time for revolution in renewable energy. He appreciated Haryana’s achievements in the sector of renewable energy, especially the schemes of solar water heaters. He said that keeping this in view, the Union Ministry had increased its own and Haryana’s target. He urged the Haryana Government to guide other States in this direction. He also stressed the need for adoption of energy efficient architecture for buildings. Haryana Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Mr Ashok Lavasa said that Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas was also being celebrated at district as well as block level to create an awakening among the people about renewable energy.Haryana Director, Renewable Energy Department, Mrs Sumita Misra presented the vote of thanks.Earlier, Mr Hooda, Mr Vilas Muttemwar, Ms Selja, Mr Chander Mohan and President of HPCCI, Mr Phool Chand Mullana, Education Minister Mr Mange Ram Gupta and Minister of State for Cooperation Mrs Meena Mandal paid floral tributes to Mr Rajiv Gandhi.The Chief Minister and Mr Muttemwar also gave away awards to the winners of 21 km half marathon organised today morning. In the category of men, first prize of Rs one lakh was bagged by Mr Santosh Kumar of Bangalore, 2nd prize of Rs 71, 000 was awarded to Mr Krishan of Panchkula and third prize of Rs 51,000 was won by Mr B.Madhusudan of Andhra Pradesh. In case of half marathon of 21 km for women, the first prize of Rs one lakh was won by Ms Chanda Pampa of West Bengal, 2nd prize of Rs 71,000 by Ms Preeti Alora of Karnataka and 3rd prize of Rs 51,000 was bagged by Ms Kavita Rawat of Maharashtra..The Panchayats which had made outstanding performance for promotion of renewable energy for the year 2007-2008 were also honoured at the function. At the State Level, the 1st Prize of Rs four lakh was won by village Panchayat Sarawan in district Yamunanagar, 2nd Prize of Rs three lakh by village Panchayat Khor in district Narnaul and the 3rd Prize of Rs two lakh by village Panchayat Karnawas in district Rewari.They were also presented with a schield and a certificate.In addition to this, prizes were also given to the Panchayats at the district and block levels for their contribution in promotion of renewable energy sources. A total of Rs.25 lakh were being given as prizes to the Panchayats today. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of poster making and slogan writing competitions.Earlier at a function held at prade ground in Panchkula, in the morning, the Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda himself drove an electricity driven vehicle to reach the venue from where he flagged off half marathon of 21 km for men and women and a rally of electricity driven vehicles which included ebikes, scooters and cars.Tableux projecting the significance of renewable energy were also taken out. The six member team of Dare Devil of Indian Air Force led by Wing Commander R.C.Tripathi exhibited their skill in sky diving. A colourful cultural programme was also presented by the school children of tricity of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. In all about 18,000 students participated in the celebrations. Hero motors also awaded two electric driven two wheelers to both winners of first prize in half marathone.Mr Hooda also administered an oath to all those present on the occasion that they would minimise the use of energy produced from conventional sources and promote renewable energy. He also announced to give Rs 2.51 lakh for distribution of sweets amongst the participating students.

National Level Function

August 5 – The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India will organize a National Level Function in consultation with Haryana Government at Panchkula on August 20, 2008 this year.It may be recalled that Ministry of New and Renewable Energy celebrates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi as “Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas” every year throughout the country. On this occasion, the Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Mr. Vilas Muttemwar would be Chief Guest whereas Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda would preside over the function. The school children of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali would be invited to participate in the function. Besides, school children of neighbouring state Himachal Pradesh might be invited for participation. Various activities such as Renewable Energy Pledge to the participating youths and students, Akshay Urja Marathon (21 kilometres for men and 10 kilometres for women) would be organized in the function. Similarly, Akshay Urja Daur for about 15,000 school children, Slogan writing competition on Akshay Urja and poster making competition on Renewable Energy Sources would also be conducted. Apart from this an exhibition on Renewable Energy would be organized in the function

Haryana Electricity Department and CFL's

July 23 the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) has decided to collect old unbroken burnt/used compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) incandescent bulbs and tube lights for proper disposal so that these are not harmful to the society and environment.A spokesman of the Nigam said here today that the DHBVN has launched an incentive scheme for collection of old burnt/used but unbroken lighting equipment. Under the scheme, the DHBVN would give one CFL of 15 watt free of cost against deposition of either 10 unbroken burnt CFLs or five unbroken burnt tube lights or five unburnt/working incandescent bulbs of power rating above 25 watt or 20 burnt unbroken incandescent bulbs or 15 lighting appliances of combination of these. The consumers shall have to bring the unbroken old lighting equipment properly packed in paper for the exchange, to avoid breakage during transit, to any sub divisional office or customer care centre of the Nigam. A consumer can also deposit one equipment at one time, but he would be given free CFL on depositing required number of equipments. The consumer will be given receipt in lieu of depositing the old lighting equipments. He should preserve the receipt as lucky draws would be held in each operation circle on Energy Conservation Day. The DHBVN would store the old burnt lighting appliances in steel drums of adequate size at Nigam's stores for proper disposal. The DHBVN would prefer recycling of CFLs as per recommendations of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).The spokesman said that the DHBVN was promoting use of energy efficient lighting appliances in order to minimize load on its distribution system during the peak load hours in the evening and morning compelling imposition of restrictions in power supply. Star rated CFL consumes only up to 25 per cent of electricity as compared to conventional incandescent bulb and has 10 times longer life.He said that mercury contributed in the environment by way of burning coal for generation of the extra electricity consumed by conventional yellow bulbs is much more than it is used in CFLs. However, DHBVN is concerned even to the small quantity of mercury that could go in the environment if CFLs go in land fills and water.

committee for groundwater resources

July 15 – Haryana Government has constituted a committee comprising three cabinet ministers to finalize a bill to regulate andensure judicious use of groundwater in the State.This was stated here today by the Haryana Agriculture Minister Mr.Harmohinder Singh Chatha. He said that to keep a watch on decliningwater level in the State, the Ground Water Cell of the HaryanaAgriculture Department had established 2105 Grid observation points at20 square kilometres which were being monitored twice in a year i. eduring pre-monsoon and post monsoon. The Minister informed that under Accelerated Recharge of GroundwaterScheme, 257 rainwater harvesting structures had been constructed sofar with an expenditure of Rs. 151.81 lakh in the State as remedialmeasures to recharge groundwater through injection well technique.He said that these rainwater harvesting structures had beenconstructed in the Government buildings all over the State includedKrishi Bhawan, Panchkula, Judicial Complex, Gohana, SDM and AdditionalCivil Judge residence, Gohana, Public Health Complex and CivilHospital, Fatehabad, Mini-Secretariat building ,Jind, JDA Cottonoffice, Sirsa , HSEB Complex , Barara , Ambala and mainly Governmentschools located in the villages facing flooding problem during rainyseason, the same had improved with the implementation of this schemeviz-à-viz addition of water to groundwater.Mr. Chatha informed that a provision of Rs.75 lakh had been made forthe construction of rainwater harvesting structures under the schemeduring the current financial year. Mass awareness programme were beinglaunched through Pani Panchayat for conservation of water. TheDepartment would actively participate in the farmers meet organized indifferent districts to educate them for judicious use of ground water,he added.He said that the Agriculture Department was also implementing thewater conservation technologies under which sprinkler and dripirrigation system was made available to the farmers on subsidizedrates. The Department had launched a massive programme to stop thecropping of Sathi paddy which was water – guzzling crop and the areahad been reduced from 60,000 hectares to less than 500 hectares andthe farmers had been motivated to switch over to alternate crops likeSummer Moong and also resort to sowing of Dhaincha for green manuring,he added.

state level van mahotsav

July 15– Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hoodatoday said that under the new forest policy of the State Government,the area under forest cover would be increased from 7.13 per centthis year to 10 per cent by the year 2010. There were also plans toincrease it up to 20 per cent under the National Forest Policy, headded. The Chief Minister was addressing State level " Van Mahotsav"function and Rural Empowerment and Development Workshop organized bythe State Forest Department at Ateili in Mahendergarh district.The Chief Minister said that with the financial assistance of Rs 286crore from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation, an IntegratedNatural Resource Management and Poverty Reduction Project was beingexecuted. Under this project, the department had set a target to bring48,800 hectares of area under tree plantation by 2011. The governmenthad also sent a project namely Resource Management and LivelihoodProject involving an investment of Rs 230 crore to the World Bank fordevelopment of forests in the state. He cautioned that the rapid industrialization andmodernization had become a threat to maintain environmental balanceand it was the need of the hour to make afforestation a publicmovement to save the lives of future generations. He also stressed theneed for promotion of eco-tourism to make the children conscious ofnature and environment . Pointing out that the state had limited forest area, heasked the farmers to plant trees and the Haryana Forest DevelopmentCorporation would ensure remunerative prices for their timbre produce.For the benefit of farmers, a timber market is being set up atYamunanagar by the state government, he added. Mr Hooda exhorted the people that on every auspiciousoccasion like marriage, child birth every family member should planta tree and take full care of its growth and take pledge to make"Harit-Haryana" campaign a success. The Minister of State for Forest , Tourism, Environment,Sports and Youth Affairs, Mrs Kiran Chaudhary said that the forestdepartment had planned to plant five crore saplings during this year.Out of these, the forest department would plant two crore saplingwhereas three crore saplings would be distributed free of cost to thefarmers, in the schools, NGOs and other voluntary organizations, sheadded. In order to ensure the public participation, thedepartment had set up 1700 " gram Van Samitis" in the state , she saidand added that 1100 Self Help Group of women had also been formed inthe state for their empowerment and also to supplement their source ofincome. Mrs Chaudhary said that the state government had set up 24herbal parks in the state to motivate farmers to adopt cultivation ofmedicinal plants and announced that four more such parks would also beset up soon. MLAs Mr Naresh Yadav and Mr Radhe Shyam Sharma also spokeon the occasion. On the occasion, Mr Hooda also inaugurated an exhibitionof the products made by self help groups and also planted a sapling.Earlier while addressing a gathering at Bal Bharti High School,Bachhod, he pointed out that Ahirwal remained neglected during therules of previous governments in the state. He assured that no stonewould be left unturned in giving due share of Ahirwal in canal watersupplies and development activities.

10th World Congress on Renewable Energy

July 11- Dr. Yogender Kumar Yadav, Head of Department ofAgricultural Processing and Energy, Chaudhary Charan Singh HaryanaAgricultural University, Hisar has been selected by World RenewableEnergy Council as invited speaker to the 10th world congress onrenewable energy to be held at Glasgow, Scotland, U.K. from July19-25. Representatives of more than 100 countries are likely toparticipate in the congress.Dr. Yadav will be presenting a paper on thermal design studies andthermodynamic modelling of double-absorption open cycle hybrid solarspace-conditioning system in the congress.This is second time that Dr. Yadav has been invited by the WorldRenewable Energy Council. Earlier in 1996, he had chaired a technicalsession on solar thermal in the 4th world renewable energy congressheld in USA.Dr. Yadav has contributed significantly in the field of renewableenergy in general and environment-friendly solar space-conditioningsystems in particular, which has been published in the Internationaljournals of repute. On the basis of research contributions andsignificant achievements he has made in the field of renewable energy,the Planning Commission, Government of India also designated him asthe Project Coordinator of State Level Technical Backup Unit ofIntegrated Rural Energy Programme. Presently, Dr. Yadav is the Head ofthe Department of Agricultural Processing & Energy and TechnicalMember of the Working Group on the implementation of Haryana EnergyConservation Action Plan 2007-2012. Membership of International SolarEnergy Society and ISAE Award for energy in agriculture are otherfeathers in his cap.

National Symposium: Ground water resources

July 11 - Sixteenth National Symposium on environment with local theme "Ground Water Resources : Conservation and Management"will be organized in the Department of Environmental Science &Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology,Hisar in collaboration with Health Safety and Environment Group ofBhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai from 16-18 July, 2008.The National Symposium on Environment has been sponsored by Board ofResearch in Nuclear Science, Department of Atomic Energy, Governmentof India, Mumbai said Lt. Gen. Dr. Devinder Dayal Singh Sandhu, PVSM(Retd.), Vice-Chancellor of the University today. A delegation of 50 scientists from Health Safety and EnvironmentGroup of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai would take part indeliberations during the National Symposium, said Vice-Chancellor, Lt.Gen. Dr. DDS Sandhu. Dr. P.V. Raja, Principal Advisor, Department of Atomic Energy,Mumbai would deliver key-note address in the National Symposium, saidVice-Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Dr. DDS Sandhu. Ms. Gabrielle Viogt,International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Dr. D.K. Goyal, NuclearPower Corporation of India, Mumbai and Shri H.S. Kushawaha, Director,Health Safety and Environment Group of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,Mumbai would deliver talks in first technical session, saidVice-Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Dr. DDS Sandhu. Prof. Anubha Kaushik, Chairperson of the Department said 40scientific papers would be presented in 10 technical sessions duringthe three days' National Symposium. Dr. V.K. Garg, convener of theSymposium said Dr. R. Bhattacharya, AERB, Mumbai, D. Murlidharan,NGRI, Hyderabad, G.K. Shrivastava, NFC, Hyderabad, Dr. Kasmi, IITRoorkee, Dr. A.G. Hegde and Dr. V.D. Puranik, BARC, Mumbai, Dr. A.K.Mittal, IIT, Delhi would particiate in different technical sessionsduring the National Symposium.

State Energy Conservation Fund

July 11- Haryana Government has decided to create a StateEnergy Conservation Fund and make use of energy efficient streetlighting systems mandatory with effect from April, 2009 thus saving222 MW of electricity.This was stated by Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hoodawhile speaking after inaugurating a national level workshop on'Promoting The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)' in Gurgaontoday. The workshop has been organised by Haryana Department ofRenewable Energy in collaboration with Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE) of the Union Power Ministry.He said that the decision to have an energy conservation fund hasbeen taken to meet expenditure on the promotion of variousprogrammes and projects aimed at conservation of energy.Mr Hooda said that all existing and new colonies and urban areasnotified by the Urban Local Bodies Department, sectors of HaryanaUrban Development Authority, industrial estates of Haryana StateIndustrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, housingcomplexes, colonies and townships developed by private or semigovernment or autonomous institutions of the State would have energyefficient street lighting system.Mr Hooda appreciated that the Bureau of Energy Efficiency hasprepared a Energy Conservation Building Code, in view the fivedifferent climatic zones of India, in which it has fixed minimumenergy consumption standards of buildings.Mr Hooda said that while recognizing the significance of energyconservation in building sector, Haryana Government would ensurecompliance of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), in a phasedmanner, in all new buildings to be constructed in Government sectorby April 2010. In the first phase, during the current financial year,the new Government buildings covering about one lakh sq. ft. areawould be constructed in compliance with the ECBC.Mr Hooda pointed out that with the change in the building designsand installation of energy efficient equipments in the buildings, wecould conserve 27 to 40 per cent of energy. The designs of buildingsshould be prepared in such a way that these provide natural light andair which would help in less consumption of energy. He quoted theexample of building designs of palaces and 'Hawelis' of Rajasthansaying that these provided comfortable environment even during summerseason. Therefore, with proper designing of the buildings we couldsave a large amount of energy. Also, we should install energyefficient electric equipment in buildings.The Chief Minister said that we could conserve 25,000 MW ofelectricity in our country by implementing energy conservationmeasures. Haryana has an estimated potential to conserve 565 MW ofelectricity by adopting energy conservation measures. The cost ofimplementing energy conservation measures as compared to that ofproduction of electricity was only one third. Therefore, while addingto the generation capacity of energy, we must also lay focus onconservation of energy.He said that the State Government has already decided to make the useof Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), T-5 tubelights,Light EmittingDiodes (LED) Lamps, low pressure sodium vapour lamps and high pressuresodium vapour lamps mandatory for all Central Government offices andall other consumers of electricity having a load of 30 Kilowatt orabove with effect from August 15, 2008.He said that as use of energy efficient CFL lamps could save up to80 per cent of electricity, the State Government has initiated aspecial programme to encourage people use such lamps. Therefore, inall the buildings of offices of Haryana Government, Boards andCorporations and rest houses, all the incandenscent bulbs andtubelights have been replaced with energy efficient CFL lamps and T-5tublights. Haryana was the first State in the country to take such astep to conserve energy, he added.He said that the Government has made the use of ISI marked pumpscompulsory in the agriculture sector. It has also implemented ascheme to provide financial subsidy at a rate of Rs. 500 per HorsePower up to a maximum of Rs. 5,000 to the farmers installing thesepumps.He said that the State Government has also decided to takespecial steps to create awareness about energy conservation programmesand energy conservation measures through various means.The Chief Minister also released two books namely Energy Conservationhandbook for buildings and home prepared by Haryana Renewable EnergyDevelopment Agency and Energy Conservation Building Code Tip Sheetprepared by Energy Simulation.Secretary, Union Ministry of Power Mr. Anil Razdan hoped thatHaryana would be a pioneer state in conservation of energy. He furthersaid that energy saving devices should be installed keeping in viewthe five climatic zones in the country. He assured the Chief Ministerthat government of India would provide all sort of help to the stategovernment in implementing the energy saving schemes.Haryana Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, RenewableEnergy and Power Departments, Mr Ashok Lavasa said that Haryana statehad always been a leader for the implementation of various energyconservation programmes and for implementation of Energy ConservationAct. He was of the view that about 30 per cent of the Indianpopulation resides in urban areas in the post independence era, whilethe population of India had grown three times.Mr Lavasa said that a boom in the building construction sector inreal estate development. He said that every year more than 40 millionof sq. meter of commercial and residential space was being added whichwas resulting in the additional demand of near by 5.5 billion units ofpower.Director General Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Mr Ajay Mathur saidthat Haryana government had been the national leader in ensuringenergy access to all. He said that Gurgaon was emerging India's futureas Haryana had attracted industrialists and entrepreneurs. He saidthat after implementing the ECBC code the consumption of power couldbe reduced substantially. Joint secretary power Government of India MrDevender Singh also spoke on the occasion. The workshop was attended by Administrative Secretaries, Heads ofDepartments, Architects and Engineers of Architecture Department,Housing Board, Haryana Urban Development Authority, Tourism, PoliceHousing Corporation, Urban Development and Town and Country PlanningDepartment. Also, builders and developers of the National CapitalRegion, representative of Union Ministry of Power, BEE, Confederationof Indian Industry, FICCI and those of the State designated agenciesimplementing energy conservation programmes in the country alsoattended the workshop.Others present on the occasion included Parliamentary Secretary RaoDan Singh, Dharamvir Gauba, Sukhbir Singh Jounapuria, BhupinderChoudhary, Radhesyam Sharma and Naresh Yadav all MLAs, PrincipalSecretary to Chief Minister, Mr M.L. Tayal, Commissioner GurgaonDivision JPS Nagal, Municipal Commissioner Rajeev Sharma, Commissionerof Police Mohinder Lal, Deputy commissioner Rakesh Gupta, DirectorHAREDA Mrs Sumita Misra and representatives of various States.

Mandatory use of CFL's

July 13 – Haryana Government has made it mandatory for allthe electricity consumers in industrial, commercial and institutionalsectors having connected load of 30 kilo watt or above to replace allconventional bulbs and tube lights in their establishments withCompact Fluorescent lamps (CFL), T-5 of 28 Watt energy efficient tubelights or Light Emitting Diode Lamps by August 15, 2008 at their owncost.While stating this here today, an official spokesman said that forall the Central Government Offices and Central Public SectorUndertaking institutions and establishments located in Haryana, theuse of Compact Fluorescent Lamps, T-5 of 28 Watt energy efficient tubelights or light emitting diode lamps had also been made mandatory.He said that a notification to this effect had been issued to makethe use of CFL and T-5 or 28 watt tube lights mandatory for indoorlighting and energy efficient street lights for outdoor lighting.According to the notification, these instructions would have to becomplied by all the electricity consumers in industrial, commercialand institutional sectors, all the Central Government Offices andCentral Public Sector Undertaking institutions and establishmentslocated in Haryana, all existing and new colonies and urban areasnotified by the Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana UrbanDevelopment Authority Sectors, Haryana State Industrial andInfrastructural Development Corporation Industrial Estate, HousingComplexes, Colonies and township developed by private, semigovernment, and autonomous institutions.He said that similarly all existing and new colonies and urban areasnotified by the Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana UrbanDevelopment Authority Sectors, Haryana State Industrial andInfrastructural development Corporation Industrial Estates, HousingComplexes, Colonies and Townships developed by private, semigovernment, and autonomous institutions would have to replace theconventional street light with energy efficient street lightingfixtures using T-5 tube lights, Light Emitting diode Lamps, LowPressure Sodium Vapour (LPSV), High Pressure Sodium Vapour (HPSV) andInduction Arc Lamp for street lighting before March 31, 2009 at theirown cost. He said that in case of non-compliance of these orders, thePower Utilities Department would have the power to disconnect theelectricity connections by serving due notice after the expiry of thedeadlines.

Elephant rehab and research center in haryana

July 9 - An Elephant Rehabilitation and Research Centre atBan Santour, Distt. Yamunanagar (Haryana) would be established over anarea of 50 acres.This was disclosed by Mrs. Kiran Choudhry, Minister of State forForest, Environment, Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs today. She saidthat another 400 acres land would be kept reserved for movement andexercise of elephants. Initially the center would be run as anelephant camp after obtaining the required permissions from theHon'ble Supreme Court and Central Zoo Authority (CZA). Later, itwould be run as a fullfledged rehabilitation, rescue and researchcenter and would be opened to public. Domestic elephants which areillegally kept would be sent to this center, she added.Mrs Choudhry said that initially a sum of Rs. 90 lakh would beprovided by the Government of India for setting up of this Centre.TheCentre which was first of its kind in the country would not be like azoo but it would serve as natural habitate to the elephants. Mahawatswould be engaged to protect and train the elephants. The recurringexpenditure would also be borne out by the Government of India, sheadded.She said, "Ban Santor is a Protected forest area in Yamunagardistrict very close to Sal forest of Kalesar and Kalesar WildlifeSanctuary. This area is undulating and is a natural home ofelephants. Elephants come to this area from nearby Uttrakhand State ona regular basis."Mrs.Choudhry said that due to the excessive pressure ofdevelopment, forests were under great pressure and natural habitats ofwild animals were shrinking. Fauna and Flora would have to bepreserved at all costs. The elephant Rehabilitation and ResearchCentre would go a long way in generating awareness among people aboutthe real threat to wildlife and also rehabilitate illegally keptdomestic elephants, she added.An agreement to this effect had been signed between Government ofHaryana and Wildlife SOS (Non Government Organization). Mr. R.D.Jakati, APCCF-cum- Chief Wildlife Warden, Haryana signed the agreementon behalf of Govt. of Haryana and Mr. Kartick Sataynarayan on behalfof Wildlife SOS in the presence of the Mrs. Kiran Choudhry. Mr. M.B.Lal, Director, Wildlife and Mr. Anmol Kumar, DIG (wildlife), Govt. ofIndia, PCCF, Haryana Dr. J.K. Rawat, and other senior officers ofHaryana Forest Department were also present on this occasion.

dhbvn:transformers and cfl

July 6. The Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN)will install 810 dedicated transformers to low tension (LT) industrialand non domestic (NDS) connections saw Mills, Ice factories, Icecandies, Ice cream units, plastic items, rubber items, insulatingsleeves, oil expeller, electroplating, power coating, heat treatment,water supply, sanitation connections & rice Mills during a period of one month, under a newly introduced scheme, so as to give better service and power supply and to facilitate energy audit.It was stated by Mr. Vijayendra Kumar, Managing Director, DHBVN,. Hesaid that all such existing consumers would be provided dedicatedtransformers with DT meters at the cost of DHBVN by March 31, 2009 intwo phases. Consumers having larger load would be given priority ingiving dedicated transformers.He said that overloading of distribution system, due to unauthorizedextension of load by consumers, was the main reason of power cuts andtrippings due to local system constraints. The DHBVN allowed to putload on a transformer equal to 70 per cent of its capacity, whichcould be maintained only if the consumers do not extend load with outpermission. The Nigam has reintroduced the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme(VDS) of unauthorized extension of load that will remain operative upto July 31, 2008.The VDS is meant for the consumers of the categories of domestic,non-domestic, agriculture and industries in rural as well as urbanareas and is a golden opportunity for getting regularized theirregularity committed by them, without paying any penalty. He saidthat as per law, unauthorized extension of load was an offence equalto theft of electricity and invites imposition of penalty.Mr Vijayendra Kumar said that the drive launched by the DHBVN topersuade consumers to use energy efficient lighting like compactfluorescent lights (CFLs.) has been fruitful and it has converted 708villages and urban localities from conventional lighting to energyefficient lighting. During the month of July 45 additional villageswould be declared 100 per cent CFL villages.He said that CFL is not only power saver but it is also an environmentfriendly lighting appliance as it produce 70 per cent less heat thanstandard incandescent bulb and consume 70 per cent less electricity.But CFL contains a small quantity of mercury sealed with in the glasstubing – 5 milligrams (roughly equal to tip of a ball point pen) –which is irreplaceable being the efficient light source. Though it ismuch less than the mercury released in the environment by burning coalto generate the extra electricity consumed by an incandescent bulb,however, even its small quantity is harmful for environment if CFLsare not disposed off properly. Realizing its responsibility towards environment, the DakshinHaryana Bijli Vitran Nigam is mooting an incentive scheme to collectthe old unbroken burnt/used CFLs and tube lights, burnt or unburntunbroken incandescent bulbs and unburnt T-12 tube lights for properdisposal, so that they are not harmful to environment