Green measures get a fresh boost at President’s House

The aim is to convert Rashtrapati Bhavan into a zero-waste model township. Speaking on the occasion,Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah said,“I am glad that Rashtrapati Bhavan has taken the initiative in spreading awareness.” Praising the auditorium which was primarily using solar energy,he talked about the challenges facing its widespread use. “Unfortunately,solar panels are very expensive. Even the middle-class cannot afford them. We have to find a way of bringing down the cost of solar panels.”

President Pratibha Patil thanked him for helping set up solar panels worth Rs 3 crore at Rashtrapati Bhavan. “There was a feeling in Kashmir that you have been handed an indifferent portfolio. However,I would say that renewable energy is one of the core ministries,along with agriculture.”

President Patil noted that conservation of energy had effectively been tied to women’s empowerment,while awarding four self-help groups that had worked with the initiative. “If we keep women weak,which comprise half of our population,we cannot surge ahead as a nation.”

Bigger plans remain in store for the year ahead. These include a waste management and recycling programme,rainwater harvesting,launching of a ‘nature trail’,ban on plastic bags and the installation of a sewage treatment plant.

“Charity begins at home,” President Patil said. “It is important for us to take the lead in promoting an eco-friendly existence.”