Delhiites encouraged to produce electricity using solar panels

To encourage the residents of Delhi become self-sufficient by producing their own electricity through solar panels, a bike-a-thon was organized here Wednesday that saw participation from enthusiasts of all ages.

A joint effort of Greenpeace India and Big FM on World Environment Day, the event took place at Dilli Haat where stationary cycles were connected to electrical circuits that generated electricity when people pedaled.

It was attended by cycling groups, school and college students, resident welfare associations and senior citizens groups.

"We curse the sun and the heat, but surprisingly, we never realise that this energy can be diverted to light up not just Delhi, but the whole country. I am here to pledge my support for this campaign because I truly believe that renewables can power this country's ambitions," said Anshuman Sood, a cyclist from Anand Niketan.

According to mobilisation campaigner of Greenpeace India Akshey Kalra, the residents of the city are outraged with power cuts and the government needs to introduce a pioneering policy on solar rooftops.

"Delhi has been at the forefront for clean energy for its transport, then why can't it take the lead in clean energy for the people," he asked.

Citing one of its reports, Greenpeace India said that when it came to renewable energy supply in the total energy mix, Delhi is one of the worst performers.

Greenpeace also launched powercuts.in where Delhiites can get authentic information about scheduled and unscheduled power cuts in Delhi.

"Residents can message, mail and call to inform about power cuts and that data is displayed on a map. This crowd-sourced data feeds into Twitter and can also be used by residents to question government's claim about 24X7 power supply," said Kalra.