Kohima, August 27 (MExN): Reiterating that power energy is essential for human existence, Chief Secretary Lalthara, IAS, today stated that the recently instituted department of New & Renewable Energy must concentrate on how to produce more energy. The N&RE department was created recently to focus on tapping energy and power from new and sustainable sources such as solar and wind, with special emphasis on environmental protection and greener measures to meet increasing energy needs.
Addressing the general conference of the Association of Power Engineers Nagaland here today, the chief secretary said that although the state has no technology, it is time to start thinking and be aware about the prospects of nuclear energy for the future generations. He said that being a mere graduate in engineering is not enough or sufficient. He encouraged the engineers to specialize in different fields such as hydro energy to produce more power as power requirement and consumption is very high in the state. Lalthara also urged the engineers that they should always stick to quality control with good supervision in all developmental works. He said that the government will be ready to give support through financial aid at any cost if an engineer wants to go in for new areas of specialization.
Commissioner & Secretary for Power, R. Binchilo Thong, IAS, who gave a short speech said that the department needs expansion to transmit power sufficiently. He also felt that the chief secretary will give more importance to the power sector and will examine its demand positively.
President of the association TS Angami in his presidential address said diversification of responsibility is the only way out to enable the department to perform effectively. He also highlighted the need for reorganization and creation of key posts both at the directorate and field level. He has urged the state to reconsider the urgent but functional requirements of the department.
Angami also impressed upon the chief secretary, also the chairman of the committee responsible for framing the composition of the new department of New & Renewable Energy, that the new department should be structured not only to generate energy. It can be engaged to deliver and market the product to consumers in a single window system, he suggested. He submitted a memorandum to Lalthara with a view to integrating the role of power engineers in the task of generating energy with the new department.
