Shillong, March 28: With a view to popularise non-conventional energy among the citizens of the State, the Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) today organised an Exhibition on Renewable Energy in its office premises near BSF Camp, Mawpat, Shillong. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Meghalaya Minister for Power, etc, Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar in presence of the Principal Secretary, Power, etc, Shri M S Rao and Director MNREDA, Shri U N Madan. Also present on the occasion were the teachers and students of various schools of the city.
In his speech as the Chief Guest, Shri Dhar said that the main concern facing the State today is power deficit which has greatly affected the economy of the State. A lot of thrust has been given towards non-conventional energy which is sustainable as well as eco-friendly. He said no doubt non-renewable energy is needed in our day to day life, but usage of renewable energy side by side can reduce power consumption to a large extent. He also said that the Government is aware about the importance of development of renewable energy sources to provide the State with a sustainable amount of energy and is committed to extend all support to the on-going programs of the MNREDA in the development and promotion of renewable energy.
Shri M S Rao, in his speech, said that till date, the State is largely dependent on power from hydel projects and other source of energy like coal, fossil fuel and others. Such power generation has not only taken a toll on the environment but it gets exhaustive at a certain period of time, said Shri M S Rao. Globally, importance has been given to clean and sustainable energy which does not depend on exhaustible resources. This includes drawing power from the sun, wind, bio-gas, bio-mass and others. To make the State power efficient, we need to create awareness among the masses about the advantages of renewable energy, he said, adding that it not only cost effective but also sustainable.
He said that such exhibits and demonstration allow students to get first-hand knowledge about the usage of renewable energy and gave them an opportunity to contribute in the development of renewable sources of energy. He called upon the students to carry on the message to the community on the growing need for energy conservation by adopting renewable sources of power.
