Goa govt's push for energy - saving practices is a welcome step, given the rise in power requirement in the state and the whole country. It is time we realise the gravity of the situation and switch over to efficient energy -saving practices with the use of renewable energy for our daily requirements. It is unfortunate that the use of solar power in Goa has fallen below projected expectations. On the other hand we cannot expect much from the govt's push for energy saving constructions unless there are guidelines and mandatory requirements for construction of houses and govt offices. Besides solar panels there is also a need for natural cross- ventilation and heat absorbing construction materials and insulation that will reduce the heat and the use of fans and air conditioners which are power guzzlers during the summer months. We need to move beyond verbal statements.
AF NAZARETH, Alto Porvorim
