Mangaluru: MLC Ivan D’Souza held the installation of roof top solar energy unit at his residence here, on October 21.
Ivan D’Souza explained the concept of the solar system use for domestic purposes and how it would benefit the owners in reducing electricity bills, sharing excess with the local supplier MESCOM and ultimately reducing the overall cost of power.
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim inaugurated the solar system by cutting the ribbon. DC Ibrahim explained the different types of energies being used today, viz., non-renewable and renewable. “Wind, tidal and solar energy are three of the most used in renewable energy and every year more and more projects using these three are initiated. They are the most eco-friendly of all methods of energy production. Before, the cost for setting up solar panels for domestic use was expensive but today, with advancements in technology, the cost has come down and solar panels have become more efficient. The government is promoting use of solar energy among the people” he said. He also said that the people of our district want to use electricity but are against setting up power productions plants in the district. The DC concluded hoping for Mangaluru to become a model city in the use of renewable energy and the district to become a model for self-sustainability. While concluding DC said, “Ivan has taken the lead in promoting renewable energy by installing Solar panels”.
Minister of Forests, Ecology and Environment and district minister in-charge, Ramanath Rai said that everyone is now talking of Mangaluru becoming a smart city. “But we have not yet reached there. To be chosen for the SC project, we have to make it to the top 20 list and that will happen only when we are able to meet all the required criteria. Mangaluru is called a city of intellectuals/smart people. We do not just have smart people, we also have more over-smart people and due to this we have more problems. When any new project comes up, these over-smart people tell that the project is harmful, will destroy its surroundings, etc. as in the MRPL project, and they create unnecessary problems. But today, all these projects in the district that were opposed as dangerous are doing well and contributing to the region.”
He further said that the solution for all our problems lie in our own hands. “It is just that we have got the habit of shirking our responsibilities on others and then blaming them. To get into the top 20 cities list for the Smart City project, we, as individuals, have to take up such projects that help in the inclusion of our city in the smart city list,” he added.
Mayor Jacintha Alfred, MLA Moideen Bava, MESCOM engineer Manjappa, MUDA Chairman Ibrahim Kodijal, MCC Joint Commissioner Gokuldas Naik, President of Youth Congress Mithun Rai, former Mayors Sashidhar Hegde, Ashraf, Chairman Sridevi Institutions Sadananda Shetty and others were present on the occasion.
