Leading by example, the first citizen of Andhra Pradesh Sri ESL Narasimhan has adopted the best practices in utilizing solar energy and water conservation in Raj Bhavan.
It is one year since Raj Bhavan is being lit up with solar energy and the water pits dug up have increased the water table besides helping in the growth of vegetation.
Solar energy is the main source of power in the Raj Bhavan and it is the first and only Government sector building in the State to adopt renewable energy programme by installing solar power packs to cater to the power needs up to 60 per cent of lighting load requirements in the building.
A select group of media tour was conducted by the Raj Bhavan officials here on Thursday.
Raj Bhavan generates its own power and has a surplus. This is a pioneering step in energy conservation and shifting to alternative modes of power generation and consumption.
Raj Bhavan has installed solar power packs of a total capacity of 41.05 units (KWp) in the various blocks of the Governor’s abode way back in March 2012. The solar system is functioning with full utility for the past one year.
The generating capacity of the solar system installed in the Raj Bhavan is 190 units per day. The average units of consumption per day are nearly 150 units and works out to Rs 4,500 units per month. Considering the present tariff it comes under the slab of Rs 7 per unit under the conventional energy system. But the dynamics of solar energy proves that the monthly saving works out to Rs 33,750 per month which works out to a total annual saving of Rs 4, 05, 000 per annum.
This is an austerity measure and a saving to the exchequer.
The entire lighting load in the Main house, Sudharma (Administrative Block), security block and Sanjeevani building is on solar system only.
Solar energy is being used in nearly 60 per cent of the buildings in Raj Bhavan. While conventional energy is being used in other buildings. Durbar Hall, which is a heritage building, has a weak roof and it was not disturbed and solar energy was not provided there.
The occupation rate of the Guest Houses is not economical for providing solar power packs.
Further street lighting in the Raj Bhavan is being replaced with induction lights and solar lights with green lighting system.
Solar water heating system was installed in the premises of Raj Bhavan and being extended of all building in a phased manner. Conventional street lights are being replaced with solar street lights in a phased manner.
The programme was funded under Special Area Demonstration Project (SADP) scheme with the nodal agency being NECAP. An amount of Rs 96 lakh was sanctioned in April 2011 for the initiative.
It includes installation of solar power packs of total capacity of 41.05 KWp, solar water heating system and bio gas plant.
After solar energy Raj Bhavan has also taken to water harvesting.
Raj Bhavan being located at an elevated position the rain water used to drift towards the main road inundating the rail track the low lying area further. The initiative of the Governor ESL Narsimhan and his staff has changed the course of rain water and was put to best use.
Ten water harvesting pits were dug up at different locations of the sprawling Raj Bhavan to arrest the flow of rain water. These pits are located at the places where maximum rain water can be collected and diverted to the harvesting pits during the rainy season to improve ground water table.
The borewells are functioning well and gardens are being able to be maintained properly by increasing the water table with water conservation. The Governor firmly believes that it is the bounded duty of all citizens to conserve water and take to solar energy. (INN)