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