Govt bats for energy-efficient water supply across Bengal

Kolkata: State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Firhad Hakim inaugurated the Municipal Energy Efficiency Programme (MEEP) on Friday, with the aim of enabling energy-efficient water supply across the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Hakim said: "The Bengal government, through its initiatives, has been at the forefront of enabling energy efficiency in the state. Its conservation initiatives have been cost effective and transparent, narrowing the gap between power demand and supply in the state.

Energy Efficiency in municipal water supply systems will play a huge role in our water conservation efforts and this programme is a step in the right direction."

"We are committed towards creating stable, sustainable and transparent public utility systems in the state. I urge all municipalities/corporations to provide their active support in making our water management system reliable, energy efficient and one of the best in the country," added Hakim.

The department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, in partnership with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of CPSUs, is implementing the programme across the state.

As of today, 39 urban local bodies (ULBs) have joined this programme and 1,060 water pumps are currently being replaced with energy efficient variants. Some ULBs are further expected to join shortly.

The programme will lead to energy savings of 33.22 million units and reduction in GHG emissions by 27,245 tonnes of CO2 annually, resulting in monetary savings of Rs 153.65 crore during the project period of 7 years. Apart from Hakim, the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department Subrata Gupta and Director (Commercial), EESL S Gopal were also present at the programme.