Content:
- India’s Groundwater Revival
- UJALA: 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting
India’s Groundwater Revival
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of adopting the mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recharge, and Recycle” to secure India’s water future.
- Groundwater, an essential resource for life, agriculture, and water security, has witnessed significant positive changes in India, reflecting efforts towards sustainable water management.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Scheme )
Highlights from the 2024 Groundwater Report
- Total Annual Groundwater Recharge: Increased by 15 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) compared to the 2017 assessment.
- Annual Groundwater Extraction: Decreased by 3 BCM since 2017.
- Recharge from Tanks, Ponds, and Water Control Systems: Increased by 0.39 BCM in 2024 compared to 2023.
- Safe Category Assessment Units: Increased from 62.6% in 2017 to 73.4% in 2024.
- Over-Exploited Units: Declined from 17.24% in 2017 to 11.13% in 2024.
Groundwater Quality and Pollution Concerns
Maintaining groundwater quality is essential for sustainable water management. The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report highlights key pollutants:
- Arsenic
- Fluoride
- Chloride
- Uranium
- Nitrate
Findings:
- 81% of groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation.
- North-Eastern states’ samples were rated 100% excellent for irrigation.
Government Initiatives for Groundwater Management
Several government schemes and initiatives have contributed to groundwater conservation and management:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
- Focuses on water conservation structures in rural areas.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
- Launched in 2019 and now in its 5th phase (Catch the Rain 2024).
- Promotes rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (2020)
- Targets water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 80 districts across 7 states.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
- Focuses on expanding irrigation coverage and improving water use efficiency.
Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022)
- Aims to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars in every district for water harvesting.
National Aquifer Mapping (NAQUIM)
- Completed for over 25 lakh sq. km, supporting groundwater recharge.
Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater (2020)
- Plans for 1.42 crore rainwater harvesting structures to harness 185 BCM of rainfall.
Policy Frameworks Supporting Groundwater Revival
- National Water Policy (2012): Advocates rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
- Unified Building Bye Laws (UBBL) and Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL): Include guidelines for rainwater harvesting.
- Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY): Focuses on rainfed and degraded lands.
Recognition and Awareness Initiatives
- National Water Awards: Launched in 2018 to encourage water conservation practices. The 6th National Water Awards will accept applications until 31st January 2025.
Conclusion:
- India’s efforts in groundwater recharge and management have led to positive results. With the government’s continued focus on sustainability and innovation, the country is moving toward securing water resources for future generations.
- The progress made in recharge, reduction in over-extraction, and quality improvements highlights the success of policies and programs, ensuring clean and accessible water for all
UJALA: 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting
- The UJALA Scheme, launched on 5th January 2015, is a landmark energy efficiency initiative by the Government of India.
- It aims to provide affordable, energy-efficient LED appliances to households and reduce electricity consumption.
- Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs have been distributed under this scheme, saving over ₹19,153 crore annually.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Scheme )
Need for UJALA Scheme
- Traditional lighting systems consumed significant electricity, imposing high costs on consumers.
- A 7W LED bulb provides the same light output as:
- 14W Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)
- 60W Incandescent Lamp (ICL)
- Energy savings:
- LEDs save ~90% energy compared to ICLs and ~50% compared to CFLs.
Market Scenario (2013–2014)
- Retail price of an LED bulb: ₹450–500
- CFL price: ₹100–150
- ICL price: ₹10–15
- Share of LEDs in the lighting market: <1%
- High initial costs hindered adoption, necessitating government intervention.
Implementation of UJALA
- Appliances offered at reduced rates through competitive bidding:
- LED bulb: ₹70
- LED tube light: ₹220
- Energy-efficient fan: ₹1110
- Components covered:
- Appliance cost, distribution, awareness campaigns, AMC, and administrative expenses.
Energy Consumption and Cost Savings
- Electricity Usage (140 hours):
- LED bulb: 1 unit
- CFL: 2 units
- ICL: 9 units
- Operating Cost (140 hours):
- LED bulb: ₹4
- CFL: ₹8
- ICL: ₹36
- Annual Cost of Ownership:
- LED bulb: ₹12
- CFL: ₹40
- ICL: ₹108
Achievements of UJALA (as of 6th January 2025)
- LED Bulbs Distributed: 36.87 crore
- Market Transformation: Sale of 407.92 crore LED bulbs in the open market.
- Annual Savings:
- Electricity bill savings: ₹19,153 crore
- Carbon footprint reduction: Significant contribution to India’s climate goals.
Economic and Environmental Impact
- Reduction in Household Electricity Bills: Lowered energy costs for millions of households.
- Carbon Emissions: Reduced carbon footprint through large-scale adoption of energy-efficient appliances.
Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)
- Launched alongside UJALA on 5th January 2015 under the initiative “Prakash Path.”
- Aim: Replace conventional streetlights with smart, energy-efficient LED streetlights in urban and rural areas.
Implementation by EESL
- Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) implemented SLNP in collaboration with:
- Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
- Municipal Bodies
- Gram Panchayats (GPs)
- Central and State Governments
Unique Business Model
- No upfront cost for municipalities.
- EESL bears the initial investment and recoups it through annuities paid by municipalities.
- Ensures maintenance with over 95% uptime, enhancing public safety.
Achievements of SLNP (as of 6th January 2025)
- LED Streetlights Installed: 1.34 crore
- Annual Energy Savings: 9,001 million units (MUs)
- Reduction in Peak Demand: Over 1,500 MW
- CO₂ Emissions Reduced: 6.2 million tonnes per year
Key Outcomes of UJALA and SLNP
- Energy Savings: Reduced electricity consumption at both household and municipal levels.
- Economic Savings: Significant reduction in operational costs for consumers and municipalities.
- Environmental Sustainability: Reduced carbon emissions align with India’s climate commitments.
- Market Transformation: Creation of a market for energy-efficient appliances in India.
Conclusion
- UJALA and SLNP have transformed India’s lighting sector, promoting energy efficiency and reducing costs for households and municipalities.
- These programmes have contributed to economic development and environmental sustainability, lighting the path to a brighter and greener future for India.
