Speaking at a function organised recently at Gutal village in Waghodia taluka as a model village, the Minister called upon the masses to preserve the environment. The function was jointly organised by the Technical Backup Unit of the Home Science Faculty, M S University and Vadodara District Panchayat.

About 124 improved chullas have been installed in the village to protect the environment.

Patel said that using non-conventional sources of energy had become important as the forests were disappearing due to indiscriminate cutting of trees.

Patel distributed prizes to women who participated in a competition to save energy.

Speaking on the occasion, M S University Vice Chancellor Dr Anil Kane said that scientific achievements would prove worthwhile only if they reached the remotest corner of the society. He advocated the need for bringing in changes in the designs of the chullas by getting suggestions of homemakers.