Go electric, save the environment

The environment has always had to bear the brunt of advances in technology. Smartphones and laptops generate tonnes of e-waste, industries produce hazardous by-products, and cars are the main source of noise and air pollution.

We know we can’t live without our gadgets and vehicles. So what’s the solution? Srinivasa Chary Enugurthi, an electrical engineer working at the GHMC, wants to fight fire with fire. He proposes using electric vehicles to improve the state of the environment, and the state of individuals’ health by cutting down on pollution.

“I’m always thinking of possible ways to conserve energy. This will benefit individuals in the form of savings, and it will help reduce atmospheric pollution as well,” Srinivasa says, adding, “Being a resident of the city who commutes daily for work, I experience the effects of pollution first-hand. I was thinking of possible ways to reduce pollution, and I began researching alternatives. Electric vehicles do not emit carbon-products into the air, they function on electric batteries, and hence they are the best choice.”

Elaborating on the benefits of using electric vehicles instead of the traditional petrol-and-diesel-fuelled vehicles, the engineer, who has completed a course in energy auditing at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, says, “Electric vehicles run at the cost of Rs 1 per km. Secondly, you avoid burning fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. And thirdly, electric vehicles run silently and produce no noise pollution because they don’t have combustion engines.”

Talking about the GHMC’s plan to adopt electric vehicles for use by government officials, Srinivasa, says, “Initially 20 electric cars have been ordered, on a pilot basis. The Commissioner is allotting them to stationary officers who only travel between home and office, as they have enough time to charge their batteries during office hours. Depending on their performance, eventually, all 190 privately-engaged vehicles will be replaced with electric vehicles.” 

This entire project is Srinivasa’s brainchild, but he doesn’t want to take credit for it. “B. Janardhan Reddy, our Commissioner, is very passionate about energy conservation. He encourages and supports sub-ordinates who come up with new energy saving ideas and concepts,” he says.