Unlocking the Energy potential of the tribal areas of the Indian Subcontinent area

Unlocking the Energy potential of the tribal areas of the Indian Subcontinent area

There are around 645 tribal groups in India. And when we estimate the total area covered by these tribal lands in India, the central India tribal from Gujarat in the west up to Assam in the east across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand is a hub of Indian tribes.

Most importantly, these areas are blessed with renewable sources be it water, wind, sunlight, or biogas. However, the only problem is that the respective areas are not completely tapped when it comes to harnessing renewable energies. Let’s discuss more the tribal areas and know how we can unlock the Energy potential from the respective tribal areas.

Top tribal areas in India rich in renewable energy sources

1. Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh- Bharia & Gond tribes

The moment we hear “Chhindwara district”, the first word that strikes our minds is – Coal. However, we forget that the place is also rich in other resources. According to the observation, we have successfully tapped energies like coal, petroleum, natural gas, atomic energy, and hydropower.

Among these 5 resources, only one i.e., hydropower (energy through power) is harnessed and used till now. This does not mean that the district is equipped with only one renewable energy source.

The place has a lot more potential than our imagination, especially for wind and solar energy. The geographical location and climatic conditions make Chhindawara one of the most sought-after places when it comes to unlocking the renewable energy potential of the area.

Madhya Pradesh government is working for the betterment of renewable energy resources in the Chhindwara district. The government has worked on policies on solar, biomass, and wind energy – the initiatives taken by them are as follows :

a) Draft policies are implemented for promoting investment in solar, wind, and biomass energy.

b) More research on the technology that can harness renewable energies are encouraged.

c) Biogas and solar energy plants application are included in Panchayat plans.

2. Rann of Kutch (Rajasthan)- Bayad tribes

Rann of Kutch has been set aside for the world’s largest wind-solar park. The place’s temperature goes as high as 35 degrees celsius during the day, making it one of the most viable places for harnessing solar energy.

The foundation stone of the park was laid in 2020 with a total investment of 1.5 lakhs crores and an expectation of around 30 Gigawatts of power. 

Undoubtedly, the Government recognized the renewable potential of the tribal area, however, more steps should be taken to harness the respective energies completely. Besides the largest park, more windmills and solar plants should be installed. In other words, instead of installing only one plant, the Kutch should comprise a perfect combination of a bigger plant and some small wind and solar power plants. After all, smaller solar plants cover less area and take less time to complete. 

3. Mizoram

Solar energy plants of 20 MW and 5MW are under construction in the Mizoram area. However, one more energy remains to be discovered completely i.e hydroelectricity. To fulfill its dream of becoming a self-sufficient state in terms of power supply, the state needs to harness hydroelectricity to the fullest. On the other hand, the solar power plant initiated in the year 2018, is completed for trial.

Mizoram till now can generate only 10 MW of energy which is very less when compared to its counterparts. The state can become efficient if it takes advantage of its dams and water bodies for generating hydropower as well.

The government and the citizens are all working towards this initiative and soon the country is can see another emerging state as one of the finest sources of Renewable energy.

4. Andaman and Nicobar Island- Jarawa Tribes

Recently, the ministry of home affairs has decided to set up renewable energy in India with Japanese-aided technology. The government is adamant to reduce the carbon footprint by replacing power diesel with clean renewable energy.

Energy will be harnessed via storage battery system and grid interconnection system facilities to provide electricity in the most sensitive areas of Andaman and Nicobar. Like every other tribal area, the government is putting a good amount of effort to fetch renewable energies.

However, the plan is in its initial stage of development. The state needs to unlock a lot of renewable energy from its beautiful surroundings. With scenic and picturesque clean beaches, the city is capable of generating a fair amount of hydro energy and thus providing electricity to the full state 24/7.

Tribal areas and their governing parties should understand the importance of their renewable resources and procure resources to utilize them for full production while without harming the natural flora and fauna.

Not to forget, if more renewable energy projects are incorporated, it will not only make India a carbon-free nation but also open the door to opportunities in the forms of jobs and work for the tribal communities.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

 

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