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Book
Reviews
Rural
Energy Planning in Sikkim
by K. Sudhakar
& P.P.S. Gusain
Micro Level Energy Planning: A Case Study of Orissa
Planned exploration of
different energy sources and equitable distribution of energy among different
sectors of the economy are prerequisites for the development of a
country. The importance of these two books is, therefore,
self-evident.
The first book, Rural Energy Planning in Sikkim, is primarily based on field
survey conducted in Soreng sub-division in west Sikkim. A micro-level
study, it deals with household level and village level energy consumption
patterns of the region.
Located in the inner mountain ranges of the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is
blessed with abundant forest resources that provide for the fuelwood needs of
over 80% of the rural population. However, deforestation poses a major
threat to the environment with consequent fuelwood crisis for the
people. The study recommends Integrated Rural Energy Planning (IREP)
exercise for the area, incorporating ecological considerations, socio-cultural
dimensions, biomass conservation, common property resource management, and
reduction in fuel consumption. It suggests a mix of conventional and
non-conventional energy options appropriate to the region, keeping in view the
potential of alternative energy sources like micro-hydel power, solar and wind
energy.
The second book, Micro Level Energy Planning: A Case Study of Orissa, focuses
on Jatni block of Puri district in Orissa. In this
primarily
backward rural area, household energy needs are met from biomass (fuelwood,
leaves , agrowaste, animal dung), the existing resources of which are unable
to meet the rising demand for fuel. The Jatni block was therefore chosen
to test the concept of IREP as an integral part of the overall development of
the region.
The book systematically asseses the demand and supply position of energy in
Jatni block and suggests possible interventions by way of planning and action,
including development of new and renewable energy sources, use of
pollution-free energy devices, energy devices, energy conservation, energy
plantation, change in fuel use practices and inter-fuel substitution.
Both these books belong to the Sustainable Development series being published
by Development Alternatives. They explore the complex energy scenario in
India and suggest ways of meeting the basic energy needs of the people which
ensuring environmental sustainability.
Price Rs. 295 each.
| Little of the potential for
renewable energy, specially for electricity generation, has been
realised worldwide. This is due, as much to such alternative
sources being uncompetitive, as to a lack of interest in exploiting
them. |
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