National Efficient Cooking Programme launched (GS Paper 3, Energy)
Why in news?
- Recently, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of Public Sector Undertakings under Ministry of Power, launched its groundbreaking National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) and Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP).
- These initiatives are aimed at revolutionizing cooking practices in India and emphasizing on the importance and urgency of energy efficient fans.
Details:
- The National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) introduces induction-based cook-stoves, offering a cost advantage of 25-30% over traditional cooking methods, promising both energy savings and cost-effective cooking solutions.
- By deploying 20 Lakh Induction cook-stoves across India, EESL seeks to reduce the environmental impact of cooking methods, ensuring cleaner air and improved health for citizens.
- The Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP) focuses on deploying energy-efficient BLDC fans, with the goal of distributing 1 crore ceiling fans.
About National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP):
- National Efficient Cooking Programme" (NECP) is a subset of the Clean Cooking Scheme. NECP focuses on Non-Solar/Electricity-based Induction Cookstoves, aligning with the Go- electric initiative by the Ministry of Power.
- EESL has already initiated efforts to promote clean and safe electric cooking to support India's Go-electric campaign and contribute to carbon mitigation goals.
- The induction cooktop market's rapid growth is driven by its efficiency, technology, and aesthetic appeal.
Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP):
- EESL has been actively dedicated to encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient appliances, such as LED bulbs, tube lights, and high-performance fans.
- Beginning January 1, 2023, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has mandated that ceiling fans must bear star labels.
- The annual ceiling fan market in India comprises approximately 4.4 crore units.
- Conventional fans typically consume 75-80W, whereas contemporary 5-star fans consume only 28-32W, and 3-star fans use 40-45W. The adoption rate of 5-star energy- efficient fans stands at a mere 5%, indicating substantial potential for energy conservation.
- The program for deploying one crore ceiling fans was initiated during the G20 Summit in Goa in July 2023.
About Energy Efficiency Services Limited:
- Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), operating under the Ministry of Power, is a leading Energy Service Company.
- Their portfolio encompasses energy-efficient products like LED bulbs, tube lights, fans, air conditioners, streetlights, and electric vehicles.
Delhi chokes on pollution, What is AQI and how is it measured
(GS Paper 3, Environment)
Why in news?
- As the air pollution continued to get worse in Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has once again come under the spotlight.
Details:
- AQI is a number, which is a measure of air quality. The higher the AQI, the worse the air.
- The colour-coded AQI index was launched in India in 2014, and it helps the public and the government understand the condition of the air and what subsequent measures are to be taken to combat the situation, based on its severity.
- There are six categories of AQI, namely ‘Good’ (0-50), ‘Satisfactory’ (50-100), ‘Moderately polluted’ (100-200), ‘Poor’ (200-300), ‘Very Poor’ (300-400), and ‘Severe’ (400-500).
What is the AQI and how does it calculate pollution?
- Launched by the central government in 2014 as part of the Swachh Bharat campaign, the AQI was to help simplify the common understanding of pollution.
- An expert group comprising medical professionals, air quality experts, academia, advocacy groups, and others was constituted and a technical study was awarded to IIT Kanpur. IIT Kanpur and the Expert Group recommended an AQI scheme.
- The AQI transforms complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number (index value), nomenclature and colour. The pollutants measured include PM 10, PM 2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Carbon, etc.
- There are six or eight pollutants in the affected air and each of these pollutants is given a weight based on a formula. That weight depends on the kind of impact it has on human health.
- Monitoring stations across the country assess these levels.
What is the impact of these pollutants?
- Among the more harmful pollutants are those of a smaller size, such as particulate matter (PM) 2.5, which is an atmospheric particulate matter of a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (or around 3 per cent of the diameter of a human hair).
- It causes respiratory problems and reduces visibility. The particles can only be detected with the help of an electron microscope because they are so small.
- Due to their size, the PM 2.5 particles can easily bypass the nose and throat and can easily enter the circulatory system.
- The particles can also lead to chronic diseases such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
How does the AQI influence government policy?
- Based on the levels, the governments in areas like Delhi announce measures.
- As the AQI in NCR dipped to the ‘severe’ category, stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan was set in motion.
- The GRAP has specifically been instituted for emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR.
- A central panel directed authorities to prohibit the use of diesel four-wheelers that are not BS-VI compliant, as well as the entry of trucks in Delhi. Petrol cars can continue to ply as usual.
