08 Sep 2008
12:04 pm IST

Late monsoons, floods in Bihar, inadequate rains in catchment areas - excuses are running into lengthy debates amongst the people in power and people aspiring to be in power as state after state is reeling under one of the severest power cuts in recent years.

Tamil Nadu needs about 10,000 MW whereas it is running short at about 6,500 MW. Voices are being heard from opposition benches to stop power sharing with Kerala, Puducherry and Karnataka. 'Common man,' they say, 'is without power for at least six hours a day.' They also cry foul at seeing that multinational companies like Ford and Hyundai enjoy uninterrupted power supply. Government has assured them power when they set up shops in the state.

Congress party leaders are busy celebrating nuclear supplier group's waiver for India. They claim India is well on its way to achieving energy independence. Tamil Nadu congress members, known better for their in-fights, are busy fighting for their rightful claim for 'power' sharing in the cabinet.

No one seems bothered about pushing solar and wind hybrid power systems that can actually work very very well in most parts of Tamil Nadu. Instead of pushing for alternate systems to the masses, Chief Minister of the state is busy claiming fame for reducing rice price to one rupee per kg. An upcoming opposition party leader argues that it was not that the poor couldn't afford rice at two rupees per kg earlier.

Isn't it high time our leaders take energy poverty as a serious social issue and address it effectively? After all, their sincere efforts can light up their vote banks, can't they?

--
Be the change,
k.m.e.
"A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in
their mission can alter the course of history. Gandhiji."