Topic: Infrastructure: Energy
6) It is imperative for India to increase its energy consumption while ensuring climate justice. Discuss how government of India aims to balance its energy demands with environmental protection. (250 Words)
Why this question
India’s future will be built on energy and as our economy progresses, our energy consumption is likely to increase sharply. However, Climate change and environmental degradation, associated with energy production and consumption, which are unavoidable to certain extent will not give much room to India’s energy policy. We have to devise a careful energy policy which not only assures increasing energy availability but also envisages to protect our environment. Recently, India hosted an international energy forum, in which the topic has been well debated. The issue is important for IAS mains exam and is related to GS-3 syllabus-
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Disaster and disaster management.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the strategy adopted by the govt of India to balance its energy demands and also discuss the policy with regard to environmental protection.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the energy policy of India and how India intends to generate more energy, improve efficiency of consumption. We also have to discuss how India intends to offset the environmental harm caused by increased energy generation and consumption.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- mention the present energy consumption in India and future demand projections and also mention the need to balance energy needs with environmental protection.
Body- Divide the body into three main parts. Discuss each part in points. In one part, discuss how India intends to generate cleaner energy. Mention India’s energy targets ( solar, wind, hydropower, biogas) and installed capacities reached , International Solar Alliance, research on cleaner fuels etc.
In the other part, discuss how India aims to increase efficiency of energy consumption. You can mention Bharat Standards, ratings of appliances, Ultra Mega power projects.
In the third part, discuss how India aims to offset the environmental loss. As this includes all endeavours in the direction of environmental conservation, you can be exhaustive while quoting the steps.
Conclusion- you can conclude by stressing upon the need of balancing India’s energy needs with environmental protection. Or you can better provide some further suggestions in this regard.
