By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In recent years, the boom in developmental activities has spiked up the demand for energy. But despite attempts to meet its growing energy needs India is still falling far short of the demand.
Underlining the need to meet the challenges of energy requirement for development, the Raid Laban College organised a one-day workshop on “Role of Energy vis-à-vis Development in Society” at its premises here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor, NEHU AN Rai highlighted the challenges that await scientists to scout for renewable resources to cater to the increasing energy demand. He pointed out the need for research in generating different energy forms and to learn lessons from countries.
Columnist and Editor of The Shillong Times, Patricia Mukhim stressed on the problems faced by the rural population of the state in accessing energy. She said that unless the rural population can also enjoy the benefits of energy in powering their farms implements and their domestic needs India will continue to lag behind despite the apparent climb in the country’s GDP.
“Women and girls in villages still have to gather firewood for hours together. This time could have been put to more productive use such as education,” Mukhim said, adding that cooking itself would not become a chore or an unhealthy activity if clean energy is available for cooking.
Resource persons at the workshop included experts from the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, MeECL, NEEPCO, Power Grid, Geological survey of India, Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency etc. Principals and teachers from other colleges in the city also participated.