New Delhi: Every year on August 20, Akshay Urja Day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of renewable energy especially in today’s age when climate change is heavily impacting the environment and ecology of this planet. Notably, the birth anniversary of the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi also falls on this day. The Akshay Urja Day is observed to make people aware of the necessity to switch to renewable energy and to take steps to make that more accessible to everyone. In this article, we will learn more about this day.
Akshay Urja Day: When did it originate?
In 2004, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy established the Akshay Urja Day on August 20 and the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released a commemorative stamp during its inaugural celebrations organised in Delhi. A human chain of almost 12,000 students from different schools was formed to encourage the usage of renewable energy as part of the celebrations.
Akshay Urja Day: The need to use renewable energy
Climate change and global warming have greatly disturbed Earth’s environment. Glaciers are melting faster, and natural disasters like draughts and floods are taking place more frequently which are impacting the lives of both animals and humans. Climate change is leading to widespread habitat loss for many creatures leading to a decline in their population. On the other hand, it has resulted in large-scale displacement of human beings who have been affected by floods, landslides, draughts, incessant rainfall, storms and other natural disasters.
Every year, Akshay Urja Diwas serves as a platform to make people aware of the benefits of using renewable energy which can save our planet. The day highlights various initiatives and programmes of the government to promote renewable energy including presentations on advancements in wind energy, solar energy, hydropower and biomass technologies to encourage their usage. The young minds at schools and colleges are taught about the importance of climate change through different events like debates, quiz competitions, and cultural programmes.
Unlike fossil fuels like coal and oil whose reserves on this planet are limited, renewable energy is also called ‘clean energy’ and ‘green energy’ since energy generated from renewable sources does not emit any greenhouse gas. It will inevitably bring down the pollution level of this planet which, in turn, will be a major boost in the fight against climate change. By making people aware of more sustainable energy solutions on this day, we can reduce carbon footprints and support sustainable practices.
The Akshay Urja Day is observed to make people aware of the necessity to switch to renewable energy and to take steps to make that more accessible to everyone. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
