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Eco-friendly initiative is the buzzword

Photo: T. Singaravelou

Inquisitive: A boy looks at a solar dryer displayed at an exhibition in Puducherry. —

PUDUCHERRY: Fashion, art and lifestyle apart, the latest buzz in Puducherry seems to be environment-friendly initiatives. For now, it seems like Puducherry is busy promoting biodiversity conservation and afforestation, with the latest in the bandwagon being renewable energy devices.

Depleting fossil fuels have turned the focus on New and Renewable Sources of Energy (NRSE). Plunging into active promotion and popularisation of the renewable energy devices is the Renewable Energy Agency of Pondicherry. With two successful exhibitions in Puducherry and Karaikal early this month, the agency is all set to motivate people on the use of these devices.

Indeed, this alternative source of energy has come of age with innovative devices ranging from cook stoves, water heaters to cookers and solar lanterns. Interestingly, the exhibitions received an overwhelming response with over 50,000 visitors.

“Our aim is to create awareness among the public and popularise, promote renewable energy systems and devices. We want to generate mass awareness of technological developments and promotional activities,” Project Director of the agency D. Selvi said. With the devices being pollution-free and eco-friendly, the agency strives to make people understand the benefits and also motivate daily utilisation. The exhibition was held at Puducherry from March 5 to 9 and at Karaikal from March 10 to 12. For farmers visiting the expo, the solar sprayer used for pesticides was a major attraction. The solar parabolic cooker, charcoal-based improved cook stoves, solar water heaters and lights, energy efficient lights were other interesting devices.

“Apart from this, we had solar streetlights, solar home lighting, solar lantern, power generating units, biogas plants, working models of various devices and solar box type cooker,” she said.

Puducherry witnessed an inflow of visitors from various States. Manufacturers of various renewable energy devices from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry had put up their stalls at the expo.

“Already, we have started to receive enquiries for dealership of these devices,” Ms. Selvi said.

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Eco-friendly initiative is the buzzword

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