Indian Akshay Urja Day 2020 (20 August 2020)

Indian Akshay Urja Day 20 August 2020

Indian Akshay Urja or Renewable Energy Day is celebrated on the 20th of August every year. Indian Akshay Urja is observed to mark the importance of renewable energy resources in India. India's government is aware of the importance of development or renewable energy sources to provide the state with a sustainable amount of energy. It is significant to promote awareness about renewable resources among people who are ignorant about the subject.

History of Indian Akshay Urja Day

Renewable Energy Day or Indian Akshay Urja Day was established in 2004 to support renewable energy development programs and promote its use instead of traditional sources of energy. The very first event relating to Akshay Urja Diwas was organized in New Delhi. In 2004, the Prime Minister released a commemorative stamp, and 12,000 schoolchildren formed a human chain to promote renewable energy.

The 20th of August wasn't chosen at random to be the date of the observance. This day marks the birthday anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India.

Renewable Energy

Most of us would have studied in high school that energy and energy sources can be broadly classified into renewable and non-renewable energy. The energy derived from sources and getting exhausted over time is called “non-renewable energy.” Example: power generated using coal as fuel. On the other hand, the energy generated from sources that remains non-exhaustible and, hence, is not depleted with usage is called “renewable energy.” Example: power made using sunlight. The sun does not drain with usage, but the coal does. Renewable means “renewed” or “replenished.”

Importance of Renewable Energy

Renewable sources have the advantage of being renewable forever. Hence, they can be used without the fear of depletion. Moreover, increased dependence on renewables would mean decreased dependence on exhaustible sources like coal and oil. This, in turn, will not only result in the preservation of natural resources but also minimize political, economic conflicts and wars that are fought over owning the exhaustible sources. 

Another significant advantage of using renewable sources is the reduction of air and water pollution and the optimal usage of naturally available resources with minimal side effects. 

The use of renewable energy sources will also prevent any damage to life and property through nuclear disasters. At an operational level, the production and maintenance of a renewable energy plant are much more comfortable than thermal or nuclear power plants. The risks involved with an on-site job is also lesser. Also, renewable energy systems are more resilient and reliable energy systems. 

Therefore, despite having some issues in using renewable energy sources like, they are not available in the same quantity throughout the year, attempts must be made to increase renewable energy systems' installed capacity. Slowly the energy reliance should be moved from exhaustible and polluting sources to non-exhaustible and non-polluting sources like sunlight.