STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Centre celebrated Energy Conservation Day at its Institutional Complex, Sector-3, Channi Himmat, Jammu. The event witnessed the participation of engineers from various government departments, organizations, senior engineers, and members of the Managing Committee of IEI, Jammu Local Centre.
G.P. Singh, Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (JPDCL), Power Development Department, Government of J&K, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Er. Anil Verma, FIE, Chairman, IEI Jammu Centre, presided over the function.
In his welcome address, Er. Anil Verma highlighted the significance of Energy Conservation Day, initiated by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in 1991. He stressed the need for judicious use of energy in view of the rapidly growing power demand in the country.
Advocating the adoption of renewable energy sources, he encouraged the installation of solar rooftops under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, stating that it would significantly reduce dependence on coal and gas-based power generation and contribute to environmental protection.
The technical sessions featured insightful keynote addresses by Dr. Sanjeev Anand, Associate Professor, School of Energy Management, SMVDU, on “Indoor Air Quality Assessment and Its Improvement Using HVAC Systems”, and Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering, SMVDU, on “Low-Cost and Sustainable Solutions for Energy Efficiency in Buildings”.
Later, Er. Sanjeev Rohmetra, Nodal Officer for PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, JPDCL, spoke in detail about the integration of renewable energy through solar power in the energy ecosystem. He emphasized that on-site solar generation directly contributes to energy conservation by reducing dependence on coal and gas, while also aiding peak load shaving, as solar generation coincides with peak daytime demand.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest G.P. Singh remarked that energy is not merely a commodity but a national asset and a responsibility for future generations. He emphasized that energy conservation is no longer optional but an economic, environmental, and administrative necessity. With increasing development and power demand in J&K, smart usage of electricity is the only way forward to reduce dependence on costly power purchases. He also stressed that public participation is crucial, stating that power theft, misuse, and wastage are acts against society and increase the burden on honest consumers.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Er. Avneet Gupta, MIE, Honorary Secretary, IEI Jammu Centre, who also acknowledged the support of media personnel for covering the event.