Clean Ganga and Solar Heater Energy Subsidies Become Issues

Clean Energy Momentum In Need of Rescue: Clean Ganga and Solar Heater Energy Subsidies Become Issues

Even as the government has announced it will provide more funds for the clean energy sector, at least one clean energy industry is in need of a rescue. The 1,000 crore solar water heater manufacturing industry in northern parts of the country is facing a crisis due to subsidy crunch. Discontinuation of subsidies has resulted in closure of several companies which are debt ridden and deprived of sales.

The market for the solar heater industry is largely concentrated in northern areas, where the subsidies have been discontinued, says ET. The cold winters in the north make it imperative to seek heating solutions and if the industry has to survive, subsidies have to be made available for these companies. Paradoxically, the southern parts of the state where the subsidy is available are flourishing well even without it.

Meanwhile, the Clean Ganga initiative also needs a rescue. Following the CPCB or Central Pollution Control Board’s report citing 98 industrial units are causing the pollution of the River Ganga in UP, the National Green Tribunal has asked the CPCB and the UP Pollution Control board to conduct joint inspection of the companies and seek a report.

The NGT has specifically said that“...In respect of the industries which were served with show cause notice for closure it shall be reported as to what is the fate after the issuance of such Notice and the present status of the industry whether they are operating or not?”and it has also asked for a separate list of all the sugar and distillery Units functioning on the banks and nearby river Ganges and Yamuna. A question has also been raised as to whether they are discharging their effluents into the river.

Referring to 98 industries, the forum has indicated that these units are categorised as “seriously polluting industries" which have not installed any anti pollutant devices...”. Rejuvenation of the Ganga needs to gather momentum as does the solar water heater industry. Conservation coupled with clean energy initiatives will ensure development without destruction. Hopefully, the government will be able to achieve this.

A lot more effort needs to go into formulating the policies, but equal emphasis needs to be given to the implementation. Development cannot be sustainable if clean energy does not play a major role in it. This is why clean energy industries need support in their nascent stage and the subsidy distribution method also needs to be effective.