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.