Goa govt to focus on energy efficiency for sustainable development in 3 villages

Panaji: Goa govt is contemplating taking up three villages under the Net-Positive Panchayat model to make them energy self-sufficient, based on their distinct characteristics. Caurem Pirla is rural, Harvalem is developing and Calangute is urban. The Goa Energy Development Authority has identified Caurem Pirla panchayat for a community-owned eco-tourism model, Harvalem panchayat for a net-positive village model and Calangute panchayat for a green tourism zone.Considering the rural setting and ecological sensitivity of Caurem Pirla, state govt is exploring whether the village could be developed as a low-impact eco-tourism model, integrated with clean energy and livelihood generation.State govt may consider interventions like the promotion of solar-powered eco-homestays using existing residential structures, if possible supported under applicable central schemes.It will also consider establishment of biogas units using organic waste from homestays, implementation of the KUSUM B scheme, that includes solarisation of irrigation pumps, and development of guided eco-tourism experiences like forest and waterfall trails, traditional agriculture and cashew processing demonstrations, local cuisine, and cultural programmes.Govt may also introduce non-fossil fuel mobility options such as e-cycles or electric buggies for internal tourist movement. E-cycles and e-buggies may be operated by local youths and SHGs. The development of solar-powered community infrastructure like cold storage units and solar dryers for agricultural produce, along with circular economy and waste management by mandatory segregation of waste at source, conversion of organic waste into biogas, compost, and use of compost for local farming at Caurem Pirla, is also being considered.In view of Harvalem’s growing residential and commercial energy demand, state govt is considering a pilot net-positive developing village model with components such as the solarisation of public and community buildings like the panchayat office, schools, and health facilities, facilitated adoption of household and small commercial rooftop solar systems under existing schemes, and implementation of energy efficiency measures.Calangute, one of Goa’s most prominent tourist destinations, experiences high seasonal footfall and vehicular congestion. It may be deliberated that a green tourism approach could be piloted in selected stretches.The possible measures that could be considered include the phased introduction of restricted or no-vehicle zones in core tourist areas, development of green parking hubs, and deployment of electric shuttle services and e-bikes for tourist movement operated by local youths and SHGs.Other measures could include encouraging green compliance among tourism establishments like hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and beach shacks to install rooftop solar, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, waste segregation and processing, zero single-use plastic, and a deposit return mechanism for recycled waste.Positioning Calangute as a model green tourism destination of Goa and establishing a green tourism zone monitoring cell comprising the district collector, department of panchayat, tourism, electricity, transport, GEDA, and local community groups are also being considered.