Dharamsala April 24 – The Indian chapter of environment watchdog Greenpeace has begun a solar power utilization programme amongst the Tibetans living in exile in Dharamshala.
Experts from Germany and Switzerland set up a two kilowatt photo voltaic generater in a special Tibetan Children Village.
The solar-powered generator is capable of supplying alomst half the energy needs of the small hamlet.
Environmentalists have been concerned over rising industrial activity in the region and have been trying to educate the people on conservation. Sven Tesue, an activist, said making children aware was a good way to conserve nature.
“We train students in terms of energy issues, how to do analysis of energy efficiency, energy demand and how to install solar power (panels) on rooftops. And we hope that this project will last for many years so all the students in the next coming years may find jobs in future in the business of renewable energy supply,” Tesue said.
“I think its very helpful to me and all the kids. It will help in future if they go on with such programme. Since they are focusing on renewable (energy) like sun so they are doing a great job here,” Dukthenky, a young student, said.
Around 130,000 Tibetans live in India. Most of them followed the Dalai Lama after an abortive 1950 uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. The Buddhist spiritual leader has set up a government-in-exile in the beautious Dharamshala, since 1959.
