June 22, 2018

Centre for Science and Environment collaborated with Gurgaon First to conduct a workshop on “Launch of Solar Action Plan for Gurugram” at Ibis Hotel, Gurugram. Around 20 stakeholders attended the meet. Some of the eminent speakers were Mr. Priyavrat Bhati (Programme Director, CSE), Mr. Rakesh Kumar (Programme Director, ISA), Ms. Vineeta Singh (Superintendent Engineer-M&P, DHBVN Ltd.) and Mr Rameshwar Singh (District Officer, HAREDA).

Mr. Priyavrat Bhati, Programme Director of CSE, commenced the conference with his introductory speech. He highlighted that despite having huge potential of 200-300 kW and solar getting cheaper every day, there has not been much progress of the same in Gurugram. He also talked about a study conducted by CSE that demonstrated that the DG-based electricity supply to be extremely expensive (up to Rs 30 per unit, if we include the capital investment in the DG that runs for less than an hour per day). Electricity from rooftop solar, in contrast, is around Rs 5–6 per unit. Second, DG is extremely polluting for its immediate vicinity leading to hazardous levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the premises. Since children and women typically spend a lot of time in the building, they are particularly vulnerable.