Alternative Practices: Action plans for implementation of alternative development models

Micro Thermal Power Plant


The trend in India, in emulation of the West, has always been to establish large super power thermal power plants to meet our galloping energy needs. In the process, we have –

1. Displaced large number of people living in the rural hinterland and taken away their fertile lands, thus depriving them of their source of living which has been in existence for generations.
2. Destroyed the environment through air and water pollution
3. Consumed our natural resources like coal reserves at a fast rate depleting the natural wealth
4. Provided little or no power to the rural areas since most power generated is meant for the urban affluent section of our society


In comparison, village Hurli in Barakagaon Block of Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand, under the leadership of Dr. Mithilesh Dangi, has created an alternative micro thermal model of power generation which almost eliminates most of the disadvantages enumerated above. He has done this to challenge the NTPC super thermal power plant of 1960 MW planned to be set up in his area and demonstrated conclusively that his alternate micro thermal model is the answer to Jharkhand’s woes concerning shortage of electricity. A comparison will explain the facts of the case.


S. No. Item NTPC Super Thermal Power Plant (North Karanpura Power Project) Micro Thermal Power Plant
(196000 nos. of 10 KW each)
1. (a) MW generated 1960 MW 1960 MW
(b) Available for Jharkhand 500 MW 1960 MW
2. Investment Rs. 16,000 crores Rs. 2,450 crores
3. Coal consumption per annum 15 million tons 11 million tons
4. Land requirement 2,500 acres in one place 1,000 acres spread across Jharkhand
5. Employment generation 700 6,00,000 spread across Jharkhand



Jharkhand’s total requirement of electricity is about 5000 MW. This can be generated by 5000 units of 1 MW each, requiring a total investment of Rs. 6,250 crores, generating an employment of 45,00,000. Small thermal units also minimize displacement in a particular area and can be managed by the beneficiaries concerned. The pollution effect is also minimized.

ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT


Story of Chandil Dam Displacement



For the first time in the history of any displacement due to large dams, many innovative proposals and steps have been implemented under the leadership of Mr. Arvind Anjum as given below :
1. The right of promoting tourism on the lake has been taken by the cooperative efforts of the displaced and the authority for the same has been given by the Jharkhand Government after a long struggle. Today the Chandil Lake tourism with all kinds of boats for the tourists is managed by the displaced people themselves and the renewable lease is valid for 10 years.
2. The total fishing rights from the lake also has been taken by the displaced population and the Governement has been forced to sanction the same.
3. The right to draw water from the catchment area for irrigation of adjoining lands and to use lift irrigation and other means has also been achieved through a long struggle.

ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Revival of Handloom Weavers

In association with Dastkar Andhra and the active support of the Jharkhand Government, weavers in Lohardagga will be given proper knowledge, support and training for restarting their handlooms which have lying idle for so many years. The problems that they encountered in the past will be addressed and with their active association removed. Jharkhand has a rich history of handloom and tussar silk weaving and their revival will give life to many families as well as stop the migration to cities.

The problems that they had faced in the past were –
Lack of proper yarn availability
Lack of adequate working capital finance
Lack of proper dyeing facilities
Lack of design inputs
Lack of proper marketing support
The alternative development program will address these and other issues during implementation.