The Energy Conservation Mission (ECM) is engaged in creating awareness and in promotion of energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy, to conserve natural resources and to prevent ecological damage. The ECM as part of its programme to extend its activities to rural areas, particularly remote areas, in collaboration with Vinobha Bhave Voluntary Organization (VBVO) Gadwal, had launched a two year programme in April 2005 to create awareness about energy conservation in 6 Mandals and Gadwal Town of Gadwal Division, covering about one lakh population, in Mahaboobnagar district

Energy Conservation

The VBVO with the active support of ECM, had undertaken extensive survey of more than 15,000 households regarding the usage of various types of energy, income levels etc. On completion of the survey, massive and extensive awareness campaign was launched covering all the 6 Mandals and Gadwal Town by distributing handouts in Telugu highlighting the methods for saving energy-Electricity, LPG, Diesel etc- by painting slogans on the walls at important places, conducting awareness programmes in schools etc The use of CFLs was promoted by supplying limited quantities at subsidized rates. The National Energy Conservation Week was observed from 14^th to 20^th December in 2005 and 2006,in Gadwal Division, with the support of NEDCAP and the District Administration.

Bio-Fuel Plantation

The Chagadonni Gram Panchayat of Ghattu Mandal, in Gadwal division have resolved unanimously in the Grama Sabha held in July 2005, to constitute "Chagadonni Greenbelt Abhivruddi Committee" (CGAC), with the main objectives of

• Promotion of Greenbelts and Protection of Forests
• Prevention of Pollution
• Self Employment Creation.

The Memorandum of Understanding was executed between CGAC and VBVO for the development of "Pongamia Plantation" under Greenbelt development programme, as per the guidance of the district administration, in the vacant degraded Government land of about 201 acres in Survey No 421 / 1 of Chinnonipalle Village of Chagadonni Grama Panchayat. The Pongamia Plantation was undertaken in about 20 acres by October 2005, with the financial support of ECM and the cooperation of District Forest Department. The Pongamia Plantation in another 80 acres has been undertaken in September 2006 with the support of Social Forestry Department and the District Forest Department.

Grameena Nitya Deepotsavam (GND)- Lighting the Households

The ECM & VBVO, with the help of ADE, Operations, Gadwal of APCPDC Ltd, have identified households, not having electricity in Villages / Hamlets of Ghattu and Dharoor Mandals. The ECM, as part of its GND Programme, distributed highly subsidized Solar Powered, 3W LED Lanterns to 193 households, just before Deepawali in October 2006, literally lighting the lives of these households.

ECM has also distributed Solar Powered 3W LED lanterns to 86 Households in remote and inaccessible tribal village of Pusukunta and Kattur villages of Ankampalem Panchayat of Dammapeta Mandal in Khammam District on 25^th November 2006.

With the generous contributions from socially conscious and committed individuals and organizations, ECM hopes to provide about 3,000 Households in remote villages, with Solar Powered 3W LED lanterns during the year 2007.