Let's join hands to preserve Natural resources for future: Sheila

New Delhi, Aug 20 (UNI) Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today called upon all the people to join hands to preserve national resources for future requirements and make use of new and renewable energy sources.

Speaking at Rajiv Gandhi 'Akshay Urja Divas' 2008 celebrations, organised by Environment Department of the Delhi Government, Ms Dikshit exhorted children to propagate renewable energy sources as natural resources, being utilised for generation, would not last longer.

August 20, the birthday of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, is celebrated as Rajiv Gandhi 'Akshay Urja Divas' as an annual feature since 2004.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Dikshit said her Government has been giving grant of Rs 6000 for purchase of solar water heater to individuals to promote alternative source of energy. She said Delhi Government has made use of solar water heating system mandatory in the buildings like industries, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, canteens, residential buildings having an area of 500 sq meter, educational colleges, hostels, technical or vocational colleges, among others. Subsidy is given to the tune of 60 per cent.

The Government has also been encouraging construction of green buildings, especially for Commonwealth Games. She complimented constructive role of children and eco-clubs in making Delhi the greenest city in the country. Delhi is also probably the fifth such city in the world. It also has been able to curb pollution by providing largest CNG public transport fleet also.

Ms Dikshit said the consumption of energy has been growing in the country as people were increasingly becoming dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. ''Rising prices of oil and gas and potential shortages in future lead to concerns about the security of energy supply needed to sustain our economic growth. Increased use of fossil fuels also causes environmental problems both locally and globally. Against this background, the country urgently needs to develop a sustainable path of energy development. Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of a sustainable energy supply. The various forms of renewable energy are Wind Energy, Biogas, Biomass, Solar Energy and Hydro Power,'' she added.

On the occasion, competitions such as essay writing, paintings, quiz and debates on the theme of ''Renewable Energy is the future of India's Energy Security'' were organised. Ms Dikshit also presented cash awards worth Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 15,000 to 1st, 2nd&3rd winners respectively, who participated in various competition.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary Environment J K Dadoo and various members of Eco-clubs of schools and colleges.

UNI AR GL BD2058