Bankura is a vibrant city located in the Bankura district of the state of West Bengal, India. It is situated on the banks of the Damodar River, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including lush green fields, rolling hills, and dense forests. Bankura is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and traditional art forms.
With an estimated population of around 4 lakh (400,000) inhabitants, Bankura is a bustling city that blends the old-world charm with modern developments. The people of Bankura are predominantly engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale industries. The city is also home to various educational institutions, including Bankura University, which contributes to the intellectual growth and development of the region.
Like many other cities in India, Bankura's energy needs have been predominantly met by fossil fuels. As of the most recent data, approximately 75% of the total energy usage in the city relies on fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. This heavy dependence on non-renewable energy sources has resulted from historical decisions driven by factors such as economic considerations, limited awareness about clean energy alternatives, and the availability of fossil fuels in the region.
The region surrounding Bankura is rich in coal deposits, which played a significant role in shaping the energy landscape of the city. Historically, coal mining has been a prominent industry in the area, supplying coal to power plants and industries not only within Bankura but also to other parts of West Bengal. This abundance of coal reserves and the established infrastructure for its extraction and utilization contributed to the dominance of fossil fuels in the energy sector.
However, recognizing the environmental and health hazards associated with fossil fuel consumption, there have been concerted efforts to reduce the dependency on these non-renewable energy sources in Bankura. The local government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has initiated plans to transition towards cleaner and sustainable energy alternatives.
One of the key strategies to reduce fossil fuel dependency in Bankura is the promotion of renewable energy sources. The region experiences abundant sunlight, making solar energy a viable option. Several solar power projects have been implemented, including solar panels on rooftops, solar streetlights, and solar-powered water pumps for agricultural purposes. These initiatives aim to harness the power of the sun to generate electricity and reduce the city's reliance on fossil fuels.
Additionally, efforts are being made to tap into the wind energy potential of the region. Bankura's geographical location and topography offer favorable conditions for wind power generation. Wind farms are being established in nearby areas, harnessing the strong and consistent winds to generate clean electricity.
Furthermore, the government and local authorities have been promoting energy efficiency measures and raising awareness about the benefits of adopting cleaner technologies. Incentives and subsidies are provided to industries, businesses, and households to encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances, lighting systems, and building designs.
Bankura also envisions utilizing its natural resources, such as biomass and hydropower, to generate clean energy. The city is exploring the feasibility of biomass power plants that utilize agricultural waste and organic matter for electricity production. Additionally, small-scale hydropower projects are being considered to harness the energy potential of local rivers and streams.
To facilitate the transition to clean energy, the government is working on policy frameworks, regulatory mechanisms, and financial support systems. They are also actively engaging with renewable energy developers, private investors, and international organizations to attract investments and technical expertise in this domain.