By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 6: Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh stated that Meghalaya will continue to play an active role in the national mission for energy efficiency and conservation to build a greener, smarter, and more sustainable India.
Speaking at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)–Indo-German Energy Programme Partnership Summit for State Designated Agencies (SDAs) held here on Monday, Lyngdoh said the growing demand for power across the country is putting immense pressure on resources, infrastructure, and the environment.
“This reminds us of the need to save energy to generate energy. What we save today will shape the future for our next generations,” he said.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s efforts, he informed the gathering that the government, through the State Designated Agency (SDA) under the Power Department, has taken several initiatives to promote energy efficiency across the state.
These include creating public awareness on the use of LED lighting and star-rated appliances, engaging schools and colleges to promote energy conservation, conducting capacity-building programmes on the Energy Conservation Building Code, and supporting renewable energy adoption.
Lyngdoh stressed that these initiatives mark only the beginning of the state’s efforts, adding that much more remains to be done. He reiterated Meghalaya’s determination to strengthen its partnership with the central government and other states in advancing the energy conservation mission.
Describing the regional meet as a powerful example of cooperative federalism, he said that despite differences in size, geography, and power requirements, all states share a common commitment to conserving energy.
He underscored the importance of sharing experiences, innovations, and challenges among states to build a stronger, unified approach toward energy efficiency.
Lyngdoh also lauded the Bureau of Energy Efficiency for its continuous support and guidance to the SDAs, noting that BEE has played a crucial role in establishing a national framework and empowering states to drive energy conservation efforts.
Emphasising that energy conservation is not only about technology or infrastructure but also about behavioural change, the minister said that simple actions, such as switching off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient devices, opting for public transport or electric vehicles, and harnessing solar energy, can make a significant impact when adopted widely.
He urged citizens to use electricity responsibly, ensuring that every unit of power generated is used wisely.
The summit, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Power and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), reviewed the physical and financial progress of the SDAs in the eastern and northeastern regions on energy conservation.
A total of 11 SDAs, along with policymakers, officials from BEE, and representatives from GIZ, attended the event.
Lyngdoh said the meeting happened at a crucial time when energy conservation and efficient electricity use have become not just development objectives but matters of national importance.
