indian crockery industry
indian crockery industry
indian crockery industry
Solar power is the best bet
Recently we in Bhopal had a 16-hour power outage commencing from midnight until 4.00 next afternoon. The inverter saw us through the hot and stuffy night but it, too, lost its energy by the next afternoon. There was no alternative but to bear the acute discomfort of an air-less hot afternoon. Outages are frequent but this was out of the ordinary.
Lazing around through the day drenched in sweat in the sweltering heat my mind wandered and sauntered down the years that have gone by. In the early 1940s I used to be a child in Gwalior which was the capital of the eponymous princely state. Although we had electricity in our rented house there were many others in the neighbourhood, including that of a minister, which did not. Apparently, even then it took quite a bit to have one’s house electrified. Living off the arterial road, we still had gas lamps to light up our rather broad, generally, deserted lane. Every evening a man would trudge down the lane with a ladder on his shoulders to light up the lamps mounted on somewhat low posts. He would repeat his trip in the early mornings to put out the lights. The lane got its electric streetlights much later.
Apart from lighting up the houses and streets electricity had very little non-industrial use in those days. Hardly any electrical appliances were available for domestic purposes except, of course, fans – table or ceiling. Right through the ‘40s, I recall, we managed the hot Gwalior summers with two table fans in combination with thick khas curtains with water dripping on them through perforated pipes. Radios, symbol for the well-to-do then with their roof-top antennas, were very few. The per capita carbon footprint was, naturally, negligible
As I grew older radios became ubiquitous, so much so that they would be raucously blaring out film songs from paan shops. Even during the first few post-Independence decades of “Hindu rate of (economic) growth” (of around 3%) the middle classes were inflating, though tardily, and electrical equipment and appliances appeared in the markets to feed their demand. Soon electric kettles, hot plates, mixer-grinders to refrigerators made their appearance for making things easier in the kitchen. For the living rooms there were radios, of course, followed by electrically operated turn-tables, record-changers, even radiograms and tape (spool) recorders. To meet the exigencies of the weather there were either heaters or coolers, even an occasional air conditioner.
All these were confined to a very thin upper crust of the society – the rich and upper middle classes. Liberalisation of the economy in the early 1990s brought about a sea change. Not only MNCs descended in the country in large numbers, transfer of modern sophisticated technology also took place. The rapidly expanding middle classes accessed a whole new range of electrical appliances known as “white goods” and luxury items at prices that were competitive owing to the phenomenon of “globalisation”. What were confined to a small segment progressively came within the reach of a much larger section of the population. As a result, electricity today doesn’t simply light up the houses; it runs kitchens, helps in washing clothes, crockery and utensils, cools and heats the houses, entertains the family and provides 24X7 connectivity. No wonder, the per capita carbon footprint rose from 0.8 in 1990 to 1.3 in 2006 and yet nowhere near the footprint of giants like US which was 32.8 in 2006.
The veritable explosion of the middle classes and the accompanying growth of industry and commerce preordained a rise in demand for power. The supply, however, could never match the demand making shortages endemic. The country currently lives through a regime of extensive power cuts and prolonged outages. All talks of sufficiency in the near future are misleading as, firstly, there are not enough power projects in the pipeline and, secondly, in the current times of faster economic growth demand is always likely to outstrip the supply.
The problem is likely to get compounded as environmental considerations may inhibit the country’s efforts to install many more coal-fired power plants unless it is able to, miraculously, find a cleaner thermal power technology. Similar considerations may hamper development of hydro power. Already there are protests, for example, against proposals for scores of hydro-power projects in the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. The current government seems to be banking on nuclear energy. That too carries its own rather heavy baggage. Apart from the long gestation, not only there are concerns relating to security of the plants, there would also be difficulties in locating safe sites for disposal of the nuclear wastes.
So far coal has been the main source of our energy. Evidently the country has to now go after renewable energy in a big way. Among the renewables are solar, wind, tidal and biomass. However, for reasons that are obvious, solar power holds the key and could be the best bet for India. With about 300 clear and sunny days in a year India’s theoretical solar power reception just on its land area is enough to produce energy that could be a thousand times greater than the likely demand in 2015, even if conversion efficiency of photovoltaic modules is pegged at a modest 10%.
Currently solar energy in the country works out to merely 0.4% of the total energy produced. The grid-interactive solar power as of June 2007 was merely 2.12 MW. Government-funded solar energy in India in 2005 accounted only for approximately 6.4 megawatt. However, the generation is disintegrated for applications that are mostly off-grid and petty in nature like street-lighting, water-heating, solar lanterns and so on.
Since the potential is enormous what is now required is a huge push for solar power generation that can be integrated, at least, with localised and regional grids. It is said that more energy falls on the world’s deserts in six hours than the world consumes in a year. Africa’s deserts receive enough power not only for Africa and Europe, but for the whole world. Hence, the Thar Desert with its locational advantages could become India’s solar-energy hotspot.
Instead of entirely depending on the photovoltaic technology, which proves to be costlier unless subsidised like in Europe, concentrating solar (thermal) power needs to be given a big push. There are varied technologies that produce energy by concentrating the light rays onto a small surface to generate heat and use that heat to drive a turbine, which in turn drives a generator. Experts believe solar thermal power can play a significantly important role in meeting the yawning demand-supply gap (claimed to be 12% but actually is much more) for electricity.
While the Clinton Climate Foundation is mulling huge solar power initiatives of around 3000 MW each in the Rann (Gujarat) and Thar (Rajasthan) the Centre has launched the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission. Mercifully, the Mission proposes, apart from striving for global leadership in solar manufacturing, to launch a major R&D programme in solar energy – a crying need for the country, given the availability of surfeit of knowledge-workers.
According to Americans, solar power is no longer an “eco-fantasy”. One wishes we Indians could ape Americans, especially the Californians, at least in respect of production of green energy. Power-starved as we are, like the Californians were in 1970, we need to act like the state by inducing the consumers to use less power, legislating for energy-efficiency in buildings, appliances or whatever, to foster entrepreneurial spirit among the industrialists and require the utilities to provide one-third of their power from renewables by 2020. Given the circumstances, that shouldn’t be too much to ask for!
About the Author
I am a retired senior civil servant of the Government of India based at Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. I do free-lancing writing mostly on topical and environmental issues.
Authors@Google: Noah Alper
|
|
iHome iP43LVC Dual Alarm Clock Radio for your iPod/iPhone with Pillow Shaker (Blue) $75.95 Sla 12v 18ahupg 85977/d5745 sealed lead acid batteries (12v; 18 ah; ub12180). Specs: used in ups backup systems, spotlights, flashlights, exit lighting & other equipment; 12v; 18 ah; ub12180. Refurb: n. Returnable: y. Warranty: one year……. |
|
|
Dual Alrm Clck Rad Iphone/ipod Purple Charge Play Or Wake $91.77 iHome IP43UV Desktop Clock Radio IP43UV Clocks… |
|
|
Alex Super Baking set – 18 Piece Metal and Plastic Set $16.99 Measure, mix, prep, and bake some imaginary treats| This 18-piece set features a loaf pan, bear pan, heart pan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, whisk, measuring spoons and cup, pastry wheel, 2 star cookie cutters, 2 heart cookie cutter, and an oven mitt. Bon Appetit|… |
|
|
Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $7.00 … |
|
|
Egyptian Hieroglyphs Made Easy $26.50 Learning and understanding of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language. The hieroglyphic script was the longest lived and earliest form of the Egyptian language. Its use was limited primarily to religious and monumental inscriptions, whereas a more cursive script called hieratic was preferred for administrative and epistolary purposes. Hieroglyphic Egyptian employs pictures of objects, each with… |
|
|
Promised Land [CD-ROM] Queensryche’s follow-up to the double-platinum Empire is something of an acquired taste, but it’s well worth the effort. There’s considerable variety here; the heavy progressive-rock of “I Am I” and the ballad “Bridge” were hit singles, but there’s also the funk-inflected “Disconnected”, the edgy, spooky “Lady Jane”, and the piano-and-vocals “Someone Else?”. The title track is probably the stronge… |
|
|
Shawn Interrupted $1.99 … |
|
|
Defending Polygamy $1.99 … |
|
|
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Sports Spectacular $3.30 AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS:SPORT – DVD Movie… |
|
|
Tiger Balm Analgesic Tiger Muscle Rub … |
|
|
Gecko Nasal Pad – Large, 4.12 Long $24.80 The Gecko Nasal Pad (formerly the Sleep Comfort Care Pad by Sequal) is intended for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who experience pain and discomfort on or around the bridge of their nose associated with using nasal or full face masks. The pad acts as a cushion between the patient’s face and mask, and is simply placed across the bridge of the nose under the mask. The protective polyme… |
|
|
Ableware 769450000 Raptor Reacher $13.99 Raptor Reacher Maximum value at a moderate price The Raptor Reacher is a low cost, durable, lightweight, all plastic reacher with a contemporary design unlike other reachers. The jaw opens a full 2 1/2″ (6.3 cm) and provides a tight grip on even the smallest items such as coins or bulky items like newspapers, clothing and cans. A hook-like extension on the front can be used as a dressing aid. The … |
|
|
Flexees Women’s Instant Slimmer Lace Trim Body Briefer #5356 $55.00 You will be in good shape once you get your hands on our Flexees® Ultimate Slimmer Body Briefer with Lace! Offers maximum controlAll over control and supportLace adds a touch of femininitySlims and flattens the tummyTake inches off instantlyProvides full coverage in rearUltra firm controlFabric Content: Front & Back panel: 65% Nylon, 35% ElastaneFront Panel: 88% Nylon, 12% ElastaneInner… |
|
|
Maidenform Lilyette® Absolute Solution Lightly Lined Bra $34.00 Lilyette® has designed a bra that delivers the absolute solution for a full figure woman into one pad! Our Lilyette® Absolute Solution Lightly Lined Bra is the single bra that will supply you with modesty, lift, and shape!3 section cup each with a different benefit: Lift, Modesty and ShapingOffers full supportSoft fabricationPads are designed to leave you feeling confident and comfortableDeliv… |
|
|
Maidenform Women’s Maidenform Custom Lift Strapless Bra $35.00 Our Maidenform® Custom Lift® Strapless Bra with Convertible Straps was uniquely designed to give you the perfect lift for your cup size! Each cup size is designed with its own unique lift feature to custom fit your bra sizeProvides stay put confidence and will not fall downFabrication is soft to the touchLies flat under clothesSeamless Uplift and ShapingComes with matching staps so you… |
|
|
Omaha Steaks Prime Rib Roasts Prime Rib Roasts… |
|
|
KIKE CALVO photo illustrations FREAKLANCES Collection – Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9x9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion…. |
|
|
Betty Lous Organic Harmony Hippy Happy Apple Bar Case Pack 24 – 683021 $116.33 1.75 oz bar. Vegan. USDA organic. Ingredients: organic apple cinnamon granola [organic oats, organic maple syrup, organic oat flour, organic crisped rice (organic brown rice, malt syrup - GF, sea salt), organic brown rice syrup, organic walnuts, organic sunflower seeds, organic expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil, organic unsulfured dried apples, organic cinnamon, organic vanilla, sea salt],… |
|
|
Kuzy® – AQUA BLUE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $0.99 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – PURPLE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – Circles Blue/White Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
KONNET iCrado Original, Stylish Metal Charging Dock / Cradle / Stand for iPhone, iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod (Black) The KONNET iCrado is an easy to install cradle for your iPhone or iPod. With its unique distinctive design, it demonstrates the userâs personal style. The front is designed with a wide opening to give users the quick convenience of charging the iPhone or iPod without removing the protective case. The iCrado has a dedicated port to fit the Appleâs 30-pin USB cable to charge and sync the i… |
|
|
FORD F-150 2002-2012 TRUCK SUV Car Auto Center Armrest Cover Center Armrest covers protect, renew and add comfort to the center console of your vehicle. This cover fits a FORD F-150 2002-2012 with front and rear cup holders. Picture shown is of an example of our product on a center armrest. Cover is made from a fleece fabric and is machine washable… |
|
|
FORD EXPLORER 1998-2010 SUV Truck Car Auto Center Armrest Console Cover Center Armrest covers protect, renew and add comfort to the center console of your vehicle. This cover fits a 1998-2010 FORD EXPLORER. Picture shown is of an example of our product on a center armrest. Cover is made from a fleece fabric and is machine washable… |
|
|
Rocket Dog Women’s Memories Ballet Flat $39.95 Create new casual day memories with this flirty and modern ballerina flat featuring a step-in and go design, thai silk detailing and ruched round toe with bow accent. By Rocket Dog Product Information • Heel Height – Flat • Material – Thai Silk • Toe – Round Final sale, no exchanges, no returns. CALIFORNIA PROP 65 WARNING: Bakers strives to provide safe and environmentally friendl… |
|
|
Born Crown Knowl $245.00 Kick up your heels with a touch of modern flavor in the Born Crown Knowl boot. This women’s mid-calf riding boot has a full grain leather upper; a side zipper adds to the look and allows eay on/off. The cushioned footbed adds lasting comfort, while handsewn Opanka construction creates a flexible fit and feel. The Born Crown Knowl boot is finished with a lightweight rubber sole for grip…. |
|
|
New Balance Women’s CW 442 Sneaker • A classic running shoe with gotta-have style • Low-profile synthetic upper • Cheery polka-dot lining • Cushy foam insole • Flexible rubber sole • Thick padding at collar and tongue… |
|
|
SE Glow-in-the-Dark Brass Compass $1.50 Night Hike? Go ahead. If you’ve got your glow-in-the-dark compass with you, you can find your way back without having to grope around trying to feel the moss on the north side of the trees. In brass, 2″ dia x 1/2″ thick, with a bezel with 2-degree increments and a 13/16″ dia hook on top…. |
|
|
SE Lensatic Compass $1.40 Classic design traditionally used by military forces for its precisely accurate bearings in land navigation and directing artillery coordinates…. |
|
|
Brunton Classic Compass $7.35 The complete compass designed for everyone. Cobalt steel needle, patented declination adjustment, and 2? graduation…. |