Renewable energy 'good solution' to urbanization, says Dr Manmohan Singh

Highlighting the use of renewable energy, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday said there is a need to develop the basic infrastructure for transporting energy from its place of production to where it has to be used.

Dr. Singh, who inaugurated the solar power plants commissioned under Phase-I of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and unveiled the foundation stone of Phase-1B of the Jaipur Metro in Rajasthan, said that both projects will constructively contribute and support economic growth and progress by being environmentally friendly in the long-term.

"Both these projects, in their own way, will restrict our usage of petrol, diesel and coal. They will help us to control our carbon emissions," Dr. Singh said.

Congratulating the efforts put into this project, Dr. Singh made special mention of Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah, and said that he is leading the campaign towards a sustainable India.

"I especially congratulate my colleague Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who has promoted the use of renewable energy and solar energy, and is leading the campaign. After he took charge of the New and Renewable Energy Ministry, it has achieved many accomplishments," Dr. Singh added.

Commenting on the population transfer to urban areas of the country, Dr. Singh said rapid urbanization poses several transportation challenges to the country, which the Jaipur Metro project would help combat.

" It is estimated that by 2031 nearly 60 million people will live in urban areas. Rapid urbanization in the country will pose many challenges before us. One challenge is the public transportation system, which is very important for the correct development of cities. Metro transport is a good solution to this challenge. The Jaipur Metro project will meet the needs of a larger city," Dr. Singh said.

"The journey between Jaipur and Delhi will be fixed in just two hours. Also near downtown and the industrial sector will develop new prosperity of the people. We carry forward the project as a priority. This project is an example of those efforts of UPA government at the Centre for the past nine years ," he added.

Commenting on the increase in energy demands, the Prime Minister said that it is that the Jaipur solar plant stands as an important example to the country.

"Solar energy can be a great way to strengthen security. For all you know that rapid economic growth, it is important that energy readily available at cheap prices. Our energy needs have risen significantly in the last decade. However, a large portion of our energy needs to satisfy are continuously dependent on expensive imports," Dr. Singh said.

"Furthermore, coal, oil and gas carbon emission increases from the use of this environment and can have a bad effect .on environment. Therefore, solar energy may prove very useful to us. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission is one of the eight missions ...... under the National Action Plan ," he said.

" It was launched in 2010. In this mission by 2020 to 20,000 MW grid connected Solar energy is an ambitious target," he added.

Dr. Singh also used the opportunity to laud the efforts of his government, and said the Centre has issued multiple schemes to economically provide an opportunity to poor families for employment, and ensure their daily meals.

"Poor families in rural employment guarantee is provided. Thanks to RTE around the country are able to benefit from primary education to all children. Mid-day Meal Plan Daily 11 million children into school lunch is being given. Under the National Rural Health Mission Health services in rural areas has greatly expanded scale," Dr. Singh said.

Dr. Singh also cited development projects and the Right to Information Act as an important development of the UPA, and said that the Centre was adamant in maintaining transparency in business, as part of ensuring national interest.

"Output of power has increased. Many new airports have been developed in the country. Metro projects have been undertaken in many cities. Through the Right to Information Act, the common man can get information on official business, increasing the transparency of government functioning," he said.

Earlier today, Dr. Singh laid the foundation stone of the Kishangarh Airport in Ajmer district. He said it was a memorable day as it marked the beginning of various development possibilities in the area.