[Assam] Asom plans self-sufficiency in power by 2012(The Sentinel, 10.09.2006)

[Buljit Buragohain]

        Asom plans self-sufficiency in power by 2012
By a Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Sept 9: Sustained rural energy planning by utilizing renewal energy sources is a key factor to provide constant electricity supply to rural areas as well as urban areas, Pradyut Bordoloi, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Power said in a convention organized by the Institute of Engineers in city today. 
Bordoloi said there is no denying of the critical situation of power in the State. “8,000 villages in Asom are still to be electrified and we have not been able to utilize and harness non-renewal and renewal sources of power in a proper manner, ” the minister said.
He urged the engineers’ convention to provide a roadmap and identify different strategies and technologies for the better use of natural resources of this area so as to harness our resources in an efficient manner. 
“The power shortfall in the State in nearly 26,000 MW. Efforts are on to attain self-sufficiency by 2012,” he said.
He further suggested that the open cast mining carried out by OIL in upper Asom needed to be stopped as the emanating ethane gas is having a hazardous impact on the environment.
It is reported that pollution created by smoke from burning fuels cause serious impact on the health of the people, predominantly women and children, resulting in nearly 1.6 million deaths annually.
B. Khuresia, who presided over the inaugural function, said the best way to save energy is by pooling all sources of energy and by using renewal energy sources viz. wind energy, small hydro power projects, biogas etc. We have to shift our dependence on primary energy to the clean, safe and sustainable renewal energy sources, he said. 
The two-day convention is being organized to provide a platform to various stakeholders to deliberate on the theme ‘Energy Technology — Strategies for Optimal Utilization of Natural Resources’ and relevant topics.
During the convention two noted mechanical engineers — Er. JK Talukdar, Director (HR & BD), Oil India Ltd, and Prof. SC Bhattacharya, Special Advisor, International Energy Initiative, Kolkata — were felicitated for their outstanding services.
      

 				
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