Kalavati is Greenpeace torch-bearer for renewable energy

Times of India , Sunday, March 29, 2009
Correspondent : TNN
JALKA: Greenpeace, the international NGO which 30 years ago made the US government bow down and stop nuclear tests under the sea, is seeking the support of Kalavati Bandurkar to campaign for renewable energy in India.

Kalavati, whose debt-ridden husband committed suicide in 2005, was pitchforked onto a national stage when Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi mentioned her name in Lok Sabha during the trust vote debate last year. That Kalavati and many others in India do not have any electricity in their houses moved Rahul to champion the cause of the nuclear power.

Greenpeace feel that Rahul Gandhi’s nuke power may still take some time to reach the masses but renewable energy can readily light up the villages and also help people generate money out of it. It’s hoping to convey the message by providing some facilities in Kalavati’s village. To this end, the NGO wants Kalavati to become its brand ambassador in its campaign to bring a law in India enforcing the use of energy derived from renewable resources.

Greenepeace is known for bringing pressure on governments through public participation and massive protests. It’s been in the forefront against nuclear tests, killing of seals and various other issues. It’s won praise from the public and flak from governments for its efforts.

Its the fame which this obscure woman got after Rahul Gandhi mentioned her name that makes Greenpeace to believe that Kalavati’s voice could be heard on renewable energy.

Greenpeace workers have been camping at Jalka for over a week now. They have donated a solar panel which would operate fans in the upper primary school where Kalavati’s two sons study and a solar power-run computer in the village school where her daughters study. The facilities and Kalavati’s status as Greenpeace’s torchbearer will formally be announced on Tuesday.

“It’s election time and, with power being one of the key needs, it is hoped that the political leadership would be forced to listen to Kalavati whose house did not have power until last year. Thanks to Rahul Gandhi, she’s now the face of agrarian crisis in the country which has seen many farmers committing suicide due to various reasons,” said Vinuta Gopal, a campaigner for Greenpeace.

Greenpeace argues that though there is enough conventional electricity, power cuts continue unabatedly. Power derived through solar energy or biomass can be the solution. It has come up with the concept of decentralised power systems. This means having small units in villages and homes which will not only generate power for domestic use but also sell surplus into a grid that will give the villagers an alternative source of income. With some quick calculations, Greenpeace feels that Kalavati could earn an additional income of Rs 45,000 per year by selling power at Rs 16 a unit.

“If the power is costlier, the government should foot the bill through funds which Greenpeace hopes India can get from developed countries during the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meet to be held at Copenhagen in December. India deserves a grant of $10 billion a year and this would help the government to subsidise the costly renewable power,” said a Greenpeace spokesperson. Kalavati, who earns additional income by selling curds, is as unaware of solar energy as she was of nuclear power. But she is ready to take up the cause of Greenpeace.

“What is solar energy,” she asks. “I will only know if someone explains it.” She even confuses the Greenpeace workers with government officials. “Give us solar energy is what I’ll tell Rahul Gandhi if I meet him in Delhi or Mumbai. I’m sure my kids’ Mamaji (she considers Rahul her brother) will not refuse,” she said.

Jalka villagers appeared quite enthusiastic about the concept and said it would open several new vistas for them.

 
SOURCE : Sunday, March 29, 2009
 


Back to pevious page



The NetworkAbout Us  |  Our Partners  |  Concepts   
Resources :  Databases  |  Publications  |  Media Guide  |  Suggested Links
Happenings :  News  |  Events  |  Opinion Polls  |  Case Studies
Contact :  Guest Book  |  FAQs |  Email Us