Role of Panchayat President in Conservation of Energy

7 Pages Posted: 2 Mar 2013

See all articles by Subbian Lakshmi

Subbian Lakshmi

Avinashilingam Institute of Home Science and Higher Education for Women

Date Written: February 22, 2013

Abstract

A study was conducted in Odanthurai Panchayat functioning under Karamadai block of Coimbatore District, Tamilnadu, to find out the efforts undertaken by the President in order to conserve energy. Two decades ago, Odanthurai was a most backward panchayat. Now it has become a national-level role model in conservation of energy for village panchayats. Hence the study was planned. The case study method was followed and interviewed. Mr. Shanmugan served as the President from 1996-2006. His age is 61 and has studied up to 8th standard and is now an Agriculturist. The findings of the studies are as follows: The Odanthuri Panchayat President has ventured into installing the biomass gasifier energy at a cost of Rs 3.7 lakhs during the year 2004, in order to pump and treat drinking water and also has utilised the wastewood available in the village. 70 solar street lights were installed in 2 hamlets at the cost of Rs 7 lakhs, Two night soil-linked community cooking biogas plants were installed with a capacity of 10 cu mts each. This reduced the expenditure of families living below the poverty line. During 2006, under the Remunerative Enterprises Scheme a 350 kw Wind Mill was established to meet the energy expenses and this earned an additional income from the sale of power and was used for developmental work of the panchayat. The expenditure incurred towards installing the Wind Mill was Rs 1.70 crores. Amomg of which Rs.35 lakhs was contributed by the panchayat and the rest was received as loan from the Bank The loan has now been repaid. All this had happened because of Mr.Shanmugam’s dedication, commitment, involvement and effort. Due to these inspite of the power cut the panchayat under energy security and is also utilising the resources in an effective and efficient manner. Why not the other panchayats? This strongly shows that leadership plays an important role in shaping any society.

Keywords: Odanthuri, biomass gasifier, night soil-linked, Wind Mill

Suggested Citation

Lakshmi, Subbian, Role of Panchayat President in Conservation of Energy (February 22, 2013). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2222715 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2222715

Subbian Lakshmi (Contact Author)

Avinashilingam Institute of Home Science and Higher Education for Women ( email )

Mettupalayam Road
Bharathi Park Road
Coimbatore, TN Tamil Nadu 641 043
India

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