On World Environment Day, a
bike-a-thon calls on Delhi to “Switch on the Sun”
Hundreds of people on 25 stationary
bicycles switched on the sun on World
Environment Day on June 5 at Dilli Haat in Delhi. Delhites came
together and pedalled away to claim their right to sustainable energy
in a first of its kind bike-a-thon organised by Greenpeace in
association with 92.7 BIG FM. The event was an attempt to highlight
that Delhi residents have the capacity to generate their own
uninterrupted and clean supply of electricity by installing solar
panels on their rooftops.
Stationary cycles were connected to
electrical circuits that generated electricity when people cycled and
this lit up the message- “Switch on the Sun”. The bike-a-thon was
a part of Greenpeace India’s renewable energy campaign urging the
Delhi government to initiate strong fiscal and policy measures to
promote renewable energy in the Capital.
The residents of Delhi, outraged with
power cuts and false promises, joined this innovative event demanding
a people oriented renewable policy. The young and old were more than
happy to pedal for power and create awareness about harnessing the
sun's abundant energy. Delhi Drummers, a group of percussion
musicians provided a backdrop of beats to urge the cyclists on.
Beatboxers entertained the crowd as the renewable energy message lit
up Dilli Haat.
Akshey Kalra, Mobilisation Campaigner,
Greenpeace India says, “Delhi has immense potential in terms of
solar energy and the power of the sun can negate the rising power
tariffs, prolonged power cuts and the ever increasing gap in demand
and supply of electricity. Delhi has been at the forefront for clean
energy for its transport, then why can’t they take lead in clean
energy for people as well. All that the government needs to do is
introduce a pioneering policy on solar roof top that will encourage
people to use this infinite source of energy.”
Delhi had performed abysmally in a
Greenpeace India ranking of all states on their renewable energy
supply in the total energy mix. The report titled
“Powering
Ahead on Renewables: Leaders and Laggards” shows that Delhi is one of the worst performers despite being the
national capital and aspirant to be a world class sustainable city.
After setting an very low renewable energy target of 3.4% Delhi
achieved only 0.01% in 2012!
The bike-a-thon created a forum for
people to learn about how they can utilise their rooftops and
generate their own electricity by investing in solar technology which
will truly energise Delhi. National Service Scheme members, cycling
groups like Delhi Cyclists and Pedal Yatri, school and college
students, resident welfare associations, senior citizen groups, and
other supporters attended the event.
Anshuman Sood, a cyclist from Anand
Niketan and participant at the bike-a-thon says, “During summers we
curse the sun and the heat, but surprisingly, we never realise that
this energy can be diverted to light up not just Delhi, but the whole
country. I am here to pledge my support for this campaign because I
truly believe that renewables can power this country’s ambitions.
Moreover, this is such a unique way to educate and inform people
about solar power.”
Over 300 people attended the
bike-a-thon supporting renewable energy and a future where coal is
not our primary source of energy. Currently over 75% of Delhi’s
electricity comes from coal-based thermal power plants. But coal
mining is destroying forests in Central India, displacing indigenous
communities and threatening wildlife. This is the cost of the
electricity we enjoy.
The people in Delhi understand these
facts and are ready for alternatives especially solar power on their
roof-tops. It’s an ideal time now for more support and strong
policy measures from the government. This will encourage individuals
to generate their own electricity benefiting us all while also
protecting the environment.
