SAVE IN URBAN = SAFE FOR RURAL

India is a country with an alarming energy deficit. In fact, for a nation that is well on its path to becoming a world power; the energy infrastructure tells a contrary story altogether. In certain states, the deficit is as high as 25%. Needless to mention, most of the deficiency is passed on to rural areas & small towns; to prevent the bigger cities & urban population from suffering personally, as well as in business & industry usage

The irony here is plain to see. We’re still an agricultural economy. And that means it is imperative for our rural areas to enjoy full and regular energy; empowering the farmers across the length & breadth of the country, to carry out farming activities unabated. The result, the heart of India, rural India, suffers endlessly!

As aware, conscious, and sociologically sensitive citizens; it is our moral obligation to address this grave matter. There are a number of simple, everyday steps that we in the cities can adopt on a personal & professional level; that will ultimately alleviate the energy deficit across rural India

Its a straightforward conclusion; the less electricity we consume, more the chances of this residual reaching the hinterland. And the good news is, there are now several ways of consuming lesser energy than ever before. Luckily, as our energy needs are rising, so are new technologies that ensure minimal energy consumption. Take CFL or LED bulbs & lights for instance. If we were to replace all the lights in our homes & offices with CFL or LED fittings; our electricity bills can be halved! Longer lasting lights, but cleaner, less burning ones.

Similarly, if we used Solar Power to generate the Heating & Cooling in our homes; instead of it relying on traditional energy sources; we would again shift our dependence on energy to a natural, renewable source. Once again, the residual traditional power would have a good chance of reaching the rural belts. More & more, people are even installing a single dedicated home-wind mill; again, meeting their everyday energy needs through natural, non-polluting wind energy

That’s not all. Even smaller steps that do not entail any expenditure or adoption of new technology, can go a long way in reducing one’s energy consumption. A slew of things one takes for granted. For instance, run your air conditioner at a temperature of 24* Celsius for no longer than 8 hours a day; and it will significantly lower the energy consumption, yielding a monthly bill of approximately 1000 rupees. Likewise, being a little conscious by switching off lights, fans, and other electrical appliances when not in use, will most definitely bring down consumption.

Furthermore, buying products in the first place, with good energy efficiency ratings, will ensure that they run in a relatively clean & frugal manner, compared with other products in their respective categories.

And finally, relish the outdoors. Don’t be a couch potato glued to the TV! The more we are out and about, the lesser we’ll use our AC’s, Fans, Lights & Home Theatre Systems. Like many are now doing, have a day-out each week with your entire family. That one day every week where you go out for a picnic, play board games, take in the natural surroundings.

The copious consumption of energy by us urban dwellers is what has largely caused the deficit in the rural areas; and it is our responsibility to make amends. Why not start simple, it will really go a long way!

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