Renewable Energy Day to be celebrated in Nagpur on Aug 20

Nagpur, Aug 14 (UNI) The Rajiv Gandhi Akshya Urja Diwas (Renewable Energy Day), which coincides with the birth anniversary of the former prime minister, will be observed here on August 20.

The occasion will be marked with a 21 km marathon for both men and women and a three km 'Run for Fun' race, Adivisor in the Ministry of Non Conventional Energy Sources N P Singh told newspersons here yesterday.

The run would be flagged off by Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh at the historic Kasturchand Park ground here, to spread the message of renewable energy.

Dr Singh also said Nagpur would be among the two places in the country where Special Economic Zones (SEZ) would be set up for units manufacturing equipment that use non-conventional energy.

The Maharashtra government had promised to allot 2,500 acres of land for the SEZ, and preliminary discussions had been held with the Chief Minister.

Several manufacturers have shown interest in setting up units in Nagpur, he said.

Meanwhile, a three-day exhibition of new and renewable energy systems such as solar lights, solar cookers, wind mills and biomass gasifiers would also be held at the same venue on August 20.

Mr Deshmukh will inaugurated the exhibition and later give away prizes for the marathon and the 'Run for Fun' winners. About 30,000 participants are expected to participate in the event.

Other events such as essay, debate and painting competitions, quiz contests, seminars and exhibitions on renewable energy would also be held, all over the country, to mark the occasion, Dr Singh said.

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