Make solar power affordable to the poor, Dr Vani urges scientists

Vijayanama Ugadi celebrated on a grand note in Eluru

Eluru: West Godavari District Collector Dr G Vani Mohan on Thursday called upon the scientific fraternity to carry out research to make solar electricity affordable to the poor.A She received Vijayanama Ugadi wishes from a cross-section of people, including officials, people's representatives, social service activists and students here.

Speaking on the occasion, the Collector emphasised the need to reduce the cost of electricity generation from sun rays. Though the research on improving technology to convert solar energy into electricity was going on for a few decades, there had been no satisfactory progress so far. The scientists should take up the challenge and invent methods to make solar power at low cost. This would enable many poor families switch over to solar electricity for the domestic needs, she said.

The Collector said that the district administration had been successful in availing solar energy to the possible extent. The agenda for the year was to intensify solar energy consumption in government offices to tackle the existing power shortage problem. This would help in reducing pressure on the State government with regard to electricity supply, she said.

Dr Vani Mohan requested people to cooperate with the district administration in boosting its initiative for the use of solar power wherever possible. The district machinery was encouraging solar electricity to tide over the shortage for electricity. The local administration had identified solar electricity as a better alternative to the electricity generated from natural resources. Lights that glow using solar electricity were already installed at different government hospitals, offices and hostels of social welfare department in the district.

A special action plan was being implemented to equip all the remaining government premises with solar lights. The district administration had been receiving good encouragement from the State government in this attempt. There was an urgent need for awareness among people on the use of solar electricity, she said.

Wishes 'Vijayam' for all Dr Vani Mohan wished the people on the occasion of new Telugu year. She hoped this Ugadi would bring happiness in every family. A She lit a lamp to mark the inauguration of Ugadi festivities in the presence of huge gathering at YMHA Hall here. She said everyone would achieve victory in their field of activity as the very name of the new year was Vijaya. The officials should strive hard to achieve Vijayam in every sphere of administration. They should keep the district ahead of others on all fronts, she said.

Eluru RDO Nageswara Rao, DPRO Ramachandra Rao, Woman and Child Welfare Department project director Vasanta Bala, district adult education officer Seshu Babu, Eluru Tahsildar AG Chinni Krishna, stage artistes welfare society convenor Ch Satyanarayana and dance exponent KV Satyanarayana were among the persons who presented bouquets to the Collector and wished her on the New Year.

Earlier, the Ugadi festivities began with Nadaswaram by Pasumarti Anjaneya team. The group dance welcoming the New Year by the team of Gandikota Rajesh disciples stole the show. Vedic pundits Yanamandra Venkata Ravi Prakasa Sarmavadhani and Illendula Rambabu rendered some hymns on occasion. Commentary by Upadhyayula Rama Rao had a soothing effect on the audience.

The Collector honoured artistes Rajana Veerabhadra Rao, Duggirala Ratnaji, Dilli Leela Rani and Jaya with garlands and shawls. She presented mementoes and cash rewards to them.A Dr Vani Mohan released Panchangam for the new Telugu year. All the participants were served with delicious Ugadi Pachchadi.

Media focus on women stressed Later, Dr Vani Mohan released Godavari Tarangalu, a special monthly news bulletin on women, edited Mr. KS Sankara Rao at her bungalow here. Speaking on the occasion, the Collector urged the media to focus on the problems faced by women besides women welfare and development programmes. It was the responsibility of the media to bring to light the challenges confronted by women in society. She appreciated Mr. Sankara Rao for taking the initiative to bring out a special bulletin for women in West Godavari district.