leena mehendale on web pages

समाजमनातील बिंब/ लीना मेहेंदळे/मौज प्रकाशन गृह/पृष्ठे: १२७ /किंमत: १६० रुपये

2011-10-07T04:10:00.000-07:00

रसिक साहित्यकडे विक्रीला आहेत

2011-10-07T03:51:00.000-07:00

रसिक साहित्यकडे विक्रीला आहेत

समाजमनातील बिंब
एक शहर मेले त्याची गोष्ट
इथे विचारांना वाव आहे
नित्य लीला
लोकशाही ऐंशी प्रश्न आणि उत्तरे
सोनं देणारे पक्षी

दहावी महाराष्ट्र सिंचन परिषद लातूर, 21 फेब्रुवारी 2009

2011-10-07T03:42:00.000-07:00

राज्य सिंचन परिषद आजपासून
लातूर, 21 फेब्रुवारी/वार्ताहर
दहावी महाराष्ट्र सिंचन परिषद टाऊन
loksatta news

rahul-gandhi-in-maharashtra

2011-09-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-rahul-gandhi-in-maharashtra/20110129.htm

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The AICC General Secretary said he was shocked by the murder of Additional Collector Yashwant Sonawane by the oil mafia and said steps should be taken that cases like these are not repeated.

"We need to look into why this happening and we need to ensure this does not happen again," he said.

To a query on a report by retired IAS officer Leena Mehendale, who had filed a detailed report on fuel adulteration in the state 15 years ago, Gandhi said, "The way I see this is that corruption is a serious issue."

"We have to look into this issue in a collective way. Stringent action against corruption is needed. Punishment should be within six months, instead of 20 years," he said, adding, "We in Congress have taken stern action against corruption".

Retired IAS officer goes on day-long fast to support cause

2011-09-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Retired IAS officer goes on day-long fast to support cause -- by Yogesh Naik of mumbai Mirror

Marathi Week celebrations begin today

2011-09-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Marathi Week celebrations begin today ----- by Samarth Marathi Sanstha

Reform-education-sector-raise-budget five-fold: Leena Mehendale

2011-09-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Education budget should increase five-fold: Leena Mehendale -- India Education Review

Former Maharashtra additional chief secretary Leena Mehendale has said that Indian Education system requires major reforms. She pitched for increasing the budgetary allocation for the sector five-fold.

"Bring in reforms in education, increase budget five-folds and give many-fold increase to the budget of vocational education," she said.

Speaking on the importance of vocational education, she said, “Emphasis should be given on the use of TV for cost-reduction of vocational education and private TV channels should be asked to use 10 per cent of their time on this.”

"The 'atrocious system' of examination should be revamped and made user-friendly and a suitable certification and equivalence system between non-formal and formal education should be created," she said.

"The government should strictly implement the Unnikrishnan judgement on capitation fee of Supreme Court even at school level to stop the menace of capitation fee in schools," Mehendale said.

"Private institutions sought and got the status of Deemed University and unilaterally started acting as if the judgement does not apply to them. The government has connived at them. They should be brought under the fold once again," she said.

The government should stop supporting costly schools by land-grant, tax-exemptions, recognition and instead give premium for education in mother-tongue, she said.

She added that creating adequate facilities for sanitation, hygiene, sports and arts in schools, providing for adequate creches for working parents and supporting small-duration classes for children of wandering labour like sugar-cane harvesters should be a part of the reforms.

Emphasis should be given on value education and inculcating values like truth, equality, non-violence, harmony, nationalism, freedom, friendship, efficiency and commitment, Mehendale, a member of the Central Administrative Tribunal, said.
Agencies Tags : education sector reforms, Leena Mehendale, budgetary allocation, vocational education Posted: Mon Sep 12 2011, 11:49 hrs Mumbai: Indian Express

[Source: Indian Express]
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Former Maharashtra chief secretary Leena Mehendale appealed to increase education budget --- Make My Career
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Reform education sector, raise budget, says Mehendale -- TOI
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Reform education sector, raise budget: Mehendale -- Financial express
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India News from India TV group
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Ex-Chief Secretary of Maharashtra suggests new reforms to boost educational sector --bharatstudent.com

Mumbai Mirror day-long fast to support Anna Hazare

2011-04-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Retired IAS officer goes on day-long fast to support cause
8 April 2011
Central Administrative Tribunal member, Leena Mehendale also joined Anna Hazare in his protest on Thursday by observing a day’s fast.

Mehendale is a retired IAS officer of the 1974 batch.

“I felt that Anna is fighting for a real great cause, but I had to work and so decided to observe a day’s fast. I did not have a morsel of food since Thursday morning and will have food only on Friday morning. I am surviving only on water just as Anna is,” she told Mumbai Mirror.

The IAS officer had served in the state government as additional chief secretary. As the divisional commissioner of Nashik, Mehendale had drafted a report on the oil mafia.

She said, “If the Lokpal bill comes up in the form Anna wants, corruption will come down drastically. If we do not take enough steps today, our next generations will suffer.” - Yogesh Naik

Microsoft unveils Indic language input tools.

2011-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

23 Dec 2009 ... The Kendra says it has been making efforts to spread use of Marathi with active support from Ms Leena Mehendale, Maharashtra government's ...
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Uyw2pD6CzvEJ:www.indiatechonline.com/microsoft-indic-language-tool-179.php+leena+mehendale&cd=50&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in

List of past VCs of YCMOU

2011-01-21T09:07:00.001-08:00

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:u6bJ8Gi1Ou8J:ycmou.digitaluniversity.ac/Content.aspx%3FID%3D177+leena+mehendale&cd=39&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=in

Women take up fuel conservation cause

2009-08-04T00:56:00.001-07:00

Date:11/02/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/11/stories/2003021106750400.htm Back

Other States - New Delhi

Women take up fuel conservation cause

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI FEB. 10. Over 500 women on bicycles, mopeds, motorbikes and scooters participated in the first Save Oil Two-Wheeler Women Rally organised by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) here on February 8. The event, which was part of the Oil Conservation Fortnight 2003, seeks to combine the message of Oil Conservation with that of Women's Empowerment.

Held under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the rally sought to impress that "women have moved out from the stereotype `ghar ki bahu' and have established their own identity.''

The Executive Director of PCRA, Leena Mehendale, said in view of the women's rise, her organisation, which is basically into conservation, decided to associate itself with the cause of "women's empowerment'' as well.

The rally, that was flagged off by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ram Naik, who flagged it off at Talkatora Indoor Stadium. During the nearly one-hour duration, the motorised two-wheeelers covered a distance of 9 km through Park Street, Shankar Road, Upper Ridge Road, Simon Bolivar Marg, SP Marg and Willingdon Crescent before returning to Talkatora Stadium. The cyclists covered 2 km through Park Street and Shankar Road before returning to the venue.

The winners of the rally received an LML Freedom DX bike as a mega prize and an automatic washing machine, microwave and oven-toaster-griller as first, second and third prizes.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu

Leena Mehendale as member secretary Children’s Right Commission (CRC)

2009-04-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

ARAB NEWS
The Middle East's Leading English Language Daily
Sunday 14 September 2008 (13 Ramadan 1429)
Maharashtra to set up child rights commission
Shahid Burney I Arab News —

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government, with a view to protecting the rights of children, has cleared a proposal for the establishment of a Children’s Right Commission (CRC). This was disclosed to Arab News by Minister of State for Women and Child Development Harshavardan Patil yesterday.

Elaborating on the issue, Patil said that it would be established at an estimated cost of Rs.55 lakhs. The commission will hold office temporarily at the state secretariat but would be provided a permanent office in Worli suburb in Mumbai soon.

The commission, with senior Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) Leena Mehendale as member secretary, will have 12 members — six of them drawn from the government. The chairperson of the commission would soon be appointed and its functioning would start in right earnest, Patil said.

Among other things that the commission will address are the issues of child labor, malnutrition among children, the right of education and establishment of courts to exclusively dispose of cases pertaining to child labor.

Patil also said that a decision to implement a 24-hour helpline at 26 places in the state has been taken that will enable women, who have not been meted out justice, to seek help. It is also proposed to amend the relevant clauses to empower the Women’s Commission as has been done by the Kerala government.

In order to help women’s self-help groups (SHGs) attain financial self-sufficiency, it has been proposed that self-help groups will pay a four percent interest on their loans while the balance would be borne by the state government.

hello Thailand

2009-01-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

This site mentions one of my utubes on Ayurved. All I can understand is that this is the script used in Thailand -- it is so similar to Oriya, that I took a mental note while once traveling through Bangkok. They have same Varnamala as we Bhartiya people.

ดูละครย้อนหลัง ดูละคร ละคร หนังเกาหลี

http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:YS4i7vxLL5oJ:www.kodhit.com/drama/tag/Butani+leena+mehendale&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=132&gl=in

The ensuing ICIH seminar

2009-01-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

The ensuing ICIH seminar will be addressed by some internationally well known historians and scholars, including Leena Mehendale....
More on

Seminar on Energy Labling

2008-12-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

At IITF on 24 nov 2004. Details are at
http://www.pcra.org/English/latest/pcra-seminar.pdf

Mandi Gobindgarh visit 2002

2008-09-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Home> Chandigarh> Home & Around
Saturday , August 31, 2002

Dotted line
Page One | Punjab Pulse | News | All Headlines
Dotted line

HOME & AROUND

Seminar stresses on judicious use of petro products
Express News Service

Chandigarh, Aug 30: The Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), set-up by the Government of India, today highlighted the importance of conservation of energy and the ways and the means by which it can be conserved.

Director, PCRA (New Delhi), Leena Mehendale was addressing a press meet today. She said PCRA was into formulating the strategies and measures to promote economical use of petroleum products. It also aims at highlighting the need for environment protection, and energy security for sustainable development. It is estimated that of the total imports into India, 40 per cent comprises of petroleum products. These products are imported at very high prices and thus arises the need for their economical use said she.

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Mehendale added that various camps are being regularly conducted for making the public aware of the importance of proper use of the petroleum products. People are also told about the ways and means by which they can save petrol as well as other products.

Citing an example, Mehendale said Godhav Rolling Mills in Mandi Gobindgarh, is conducting experiments to prevent the wastage of energy and to achieve the maximum energy level, which in turn has helped them in cutting down their over-all working costs.
-----------------------------------------------------
Taken from http://209.85.175.104/search?q=cache:dS-ufCgq710J:cities.
expressindia.com/fullstory.php%3Fnewsid%3D28106
+leena+mehendale&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=119&gl=in

Biofuel towards energy security.. B'lore seminar

2008-09-11T08:55:00.000-07:00

Bangalore, Aug 10. A report

Petrol-Alcohol-Water Microemulsion Fuel

2008-09-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Development of Petrol-Alcohol-Water Micro-emulsion Fuel as a Substitute for Petrol and Ethanol-Blended Petrol
Manish Arora, Rajat Arora, Sandeep Mourya, Amit A. Gaikwad, K. G. Singh, Lalit Paliwal, R. K. Meena, Leena Mehendale, and Ashok N. Bhaskarwar. Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
In response to adverse environmental impacts from mass consumption of fossil petroleum fuels as well as international crude oil reserves being finite, most countries are attempting to find answers to meeting future demand for fuel for transport. Internationally, there is a growing acceptance that renewable ethanol fuel produced from biomass, with its associated environmental benefits, will be the transport fuel of choice for the future. Ethanol/ petroleum fuel blends directly address vehicle emissions and transport fuel security of supply issues. In addition to reducing currently regulated vehicle emissions, the renewable ethanol content of these fuels can result in a net reduction in the emission of unburnt hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Use of ethanol/ petroleum fuel blends initially in the existing vehicle fleet is essential to develop the technology and infrastructure necessary to support wide-scale production and use of ethanol fuel.
Petrol-alcohol-water based micro-emulsion fuel represents a new and potentially cost-effective option. Micro-emulsions are optically isotropic, transparent oil and water dispersions which are thermodynamically stable. Micro-emulsions have received considerable attention in recent years because of their interesting thermodynamic and physico-chemical behavior, and diverse applications. A lot of work has been done in areas like micro-emulsion gels and preparation of vitamin E emulsions. But preparation, characterization, and testing of micro-emulsion fuels, comprising of petrol and water, and especially of ethanol-blended petrol and water, remain virtually unexplored.
The petrol-alcohol-water based micro-emulsion fuel was prepared by stirring a blend of petrol, surfactant, co-surfactant, and water in definite proportions and it was produced under certain carefully defined conditions. To prepare a stable micro-emulsion fuel, a specific type of surfactant is required to be added in optimum quantity along with a co-surfactant, which in our case was ethanol (both anhydrous, and hydrous ethanol, i.e. ethanol obtained from sugar mills).
Experiments have been conducted to determine the minimum percentage of anhydrous ethanol that was needed to be added to the mixture of petrol and water, starting with fixed initial compositions of petrol (ranging from about 79%-99.5%)-and-water (ranging from about 0.5%-21%) mixtures. A fixed quantity of surfactant was added to this immiscible petrol-water mixture followed by a continuous addition of the co-surfactant (anhydrous ethanol) until a crystal clear mixture was obtained, i.e. a micro-emulsion (transparent and clear to the naked eye). Other sets of experiments were carried out by starting with fixed quantities of ethanol, surfactant, and petrol, followed by a continuous addition of the water to this mixture until it just about became turbid. A ternary phase diagram was plotted using these data. The diagram had ethanol and surfactant on one axis, water on another, and petrol on the third axis. A number of experiments were carried out to confirm the stability of all the compositions between the defined boundaries (which correspond to the stable micro-emulsion composition zone) by selecting some random compositions in between. Thus, the boundary compositions of petrol, ethanol, surfactant, water and the interior regions of composition were verified for the formation and stability of micro-emulsions.
Similar experiments were also carried out using ethanol obtained from sugar mills (hydrous ethanol) instead of anhydrous ethanol. In this case, fixed quantity of petrol, and surfactant was mixed in a 250 ml (air tight) sample bottle (Borosil). The resulting mixture was obviously turbid (unstable, two-phase region). Ethanol obtained from sugar mills (with different purities) was then added drop by drop with constant stirring, using a magnetic stirrer. The addition was continued till a clear transparent mixture was obtained indicating micro-emulsion formation. The procedure was repeated for different compositions of petrol, and surfactant.
Each micro-emulsion sample was kept separately in an airtight Borosil glass bottle and it was checked on everyday basis for any instability that could creep-in due to weather changes. Some of the samples were even kept in different environmental conditions to check for their stability. Use was made of an incubator to realize temperatures ranging from 0 oC to 40 oC. The micro-emulsions, which were stable on a particular day, did not necessarily imply that they would be stable afterwards. Some of them did become unstable (turbid) after some time, usually within days. The observed instability of micro-emulsions might have been due to the loss of co-surfactant (ethanol) by evaporation. Although the samples were kept in tightly closed sample bottles, the possibility of evaporation of the co-surfactant was still there. Another cause of instability of the micro-emulsion samples, occurring after some time, might be the change in the ambient temperature. In case a micro-emulsion sample turned unstable, it was stabilized using anhydrous ethanol and the composition of that particular micro-emulsion updated accordingly.
The results suggested that the formation of stable micro-emulsion started only at around 55 %v/v of ethanol. At high vol% of petrol (or low vol% of ethanol), a stable micro-emulsion was not obtained. The surfactant was quite effective in obtaining a stable micro-emulsion at a low volume percentage of about 0.29 – 0.33%. Using these experiments, we were successful in mapping the stable micro-emulsion zone on the ternary phase diagram for different compositions of petrol, anhydrous/hydrous ethanol, surfactant, and water.

See more of... #143 - Petrochemicals and Derivatives II (16B02)
See more of... Fuels and Petrochemicals Division - Jointly Co-sponsored with ACS

See more of... The 2008 Spring National Meeting

FICCI Seminor on BioDiesel and Jatropha Plantation

2008-08-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sep 29 -30: Global Conference on “Green-fuel”: An Eco-friendly, F Topic List < Prev Topic | Next Topic >
Reply | Forward < Prev Message | Next Message >
From Satish Lele"

Subject:FICCI Seminor on BioDiesel and Jatropha Plantation

To:madhu_sawant2000@...

Western Regional Council, FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries ¡V Western Regional Council (FICCI-WRC), is organizing a two day conference on "Green-fuel". An Eco-friendly, Farm Grown next Generation Fuel on 29th and 30th of September¡2005 at Hotel Intercontinental, Andheri (E), Mumbai, India.

As you are aware that rapidly increasing fuel consumption and consequent depletion of fossil reserves clearly shows that the end of the Fossil Fuel Age is not very far. Besides, such fuels are the chief contributors to urban air pollution and a major source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) - considered to be the main causes behind the climate change phenomena. India has a great potential for production of bio-fuels like bio-ethanol and bio-diesel from non-edible oil seeds.

The enormous potential of bio-fuel is yet to be realized in India. Our aim at FICCI-WRC, in organizing a Conference-¡§Green-fuel¡¨¡V An Eco-friendly, Farm Grown next Generation Fuel ¡V¡¦05 is to bring together technological experts, policy makers, regulatory officials, industry leaders, growers/farmers, distillers associations, sugar manufacturers association, oil companies, traders, automobile association, entrepreneurs, promotional and marketing agencies and financial institutions to:-

Tap the high potential of producing bio-fuel from India¡¦s waste
agricultural produce

Enhance energy security owing to reduced dependence on oil imports

Develop proper technology/ strategies to reduce vehicular pollution for better environment

Utilize the waste natural resources for healthier tomorrow

Increase employment and derive significant improvement of the rural economy.

We have invited Hon¡¦ble Union Minister of Agriculture Shri Sharad Pawar as chief guest and Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Hon¡¦ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra to be our guest of Honour. Eminent speakers from different fields who have been invited to address the conference include:-

Mr. Vinay Kore, Minister, MNES, Govt. of Maharashtra,
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MS Swaminathan Res. Foundation,
Dr. Daniel Gustafson, FAO representative (India),
Dr. Craig Bryson from Australia,
Dr. Reinhard K. Henning from Germany amongst others.

I request you to attend the conference alongwith your colleagues. Pls. find attached prog. details. Please do confirm your participation through the attached registration form. In order to defray cost, a nominal delegate fee of Rs. 3,000/- is being charged.

On 29 - 30 September¡¦05

Venue: Hotel Intercontinental, Mumbai, India

Tentative Conference Programme
Chief Guest : Hon. Union Minister of Agriculture
Shri Sharad Pawar

Day One: 29th September 2005

09:00-- 09:30 Registration
09:30 -- 10:30 Inaugural Session
Welcome address : Mr. Sushil Kr. Jiwarajka, Chairman FICCI-WRC
Programme overview : Dr. S.K.Chopra, Sr. Adviser, MNES, GOI
Key Note Address : Dr. M.S.Swaminathan, Chairman, MS Swaminathan Res. Foundation, Chennai

Special Address : Shri. Vinay Kore, Minister, MNES, Govt. of M.S.

Inaugural Address : Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon. Union Minister of Agriculture

Vote of Thanks : Mr. P.M. Sinha, Chairman, FICCI-Agriculture and Rural
Development committee

10:30 --- 10:45 Tea Break

10:45 -- 12:45 Session I: Opportunities in India
Session Chair: Dr. Daniel Gustafson, FAO Representative, India-Nepal
+++ Can India meet the challenge of Green-fuel?
Dr. Craig Bryson, Australia
+++ Green-fuel: Enhanced Employment opportunities
Mr. Anil Harlalka, Project Head, Noble Explochem, Nagpur
+++ Green-fuel Advantages and Opportunities : A Future Roadmap
Mr. C.S.Bhaskar, MD, Naturol Fuels Ltd., Hyderabad
Discussion and Concluding remarks by Chair

12:45 --- 13:45 Lunch

13:45 --- 15:45 Session II: Wasteland development
Session Chair- Dr. Ramakrishnan, Director(R&D), Reliance Life Sciences
+++ Green-fuel plantation for wasteland development
Mr. K Singh, MD, MP Agro Industries Corporation
+++ Promoting Farming For Future Fuel-
Mr. Roshan, SRIPHL, Churu, Rajasthan
+++ High Yielding Green-Fuel of the Future-Role of Biotech
Dr. S. Shetty, MD, Labland Biotech, Mysore
+++ Utilisation of wasteland for energy supply
Dr. R.K. Malhotra, GM(R&D), IOC
Discussion and Concluding remarks by Chair

15:45 -- 16:00 Tea Break

16:00 -- 18:00 Session III: Diverse sources of Green-fuel
Session Chair- Mrs. Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRA, New-Delhi
+++ Various sources and their maximum utilization
Mr. Pramod Chaudhuri, Chairman, Praj Industries Ltd., Pune
+++ Green-fuel: Alternate and cost effective mechanism
Mr. Amitava Banerjee, DGM (Tech), Lurgi India, New Delhi
+++ Sweet sorghum: A potential alternative source of Green-fuels
Dr. V. Reddy, Principal Scientist, ICRISAT, Hyderabad
+++ Green-fuel: The Vegetable oil route
Mr. S. Chaturvedi, Director, GOCL, Gujarat
Discussion and Concluding remarks by Chair

Day Two: 30th September 2005

10:00 -- 11:30 Session I: Consultancy, marketing of Biofuel
Session Chair ¡VDr. R Mandal, Advisor, Planning commission, GOI, New-Delhi
+++ Green-fuel Consultancy: A direction in poverty alleviation
Dr. Reinhard K.Henning, Germany
+++ Green-fuel : A sustainable continuous economic development
Dr. G Best, FAO
+++ Green-Fuel: A Brazilian perspective ¡V
Dr. A. Kadakia, Managing Director, Hon. Consul of Brazil
Discussion and Concluding remarks by Chair

11:30 --- 11:45 Tea Break

11:45--- 13:30 Session II:

Policy, Pricing and Carbon Credit
Session Chairman- Dr. S.K.Chopra, Sr. Adviser, MNES, GOI
+++ Green-fuel: Environmental Impact
Dr. T S Panwar, TERI, New Delhi
+++ Green-fuel :Technical Issues and Policies
Dr. Renu Swarup, Director, DBT
+++ Green-fuel : Technical valuation of carbon credit (CER)
Ms. Chithra Srinivasan, Earnst and Young
+++ Green-fuel : Possible upside from carbon credit- SRF
Discussion and Concluding remarks by Chair

13:30 -- 14:30 Lunch

14:30 --- 16:30 Session III: Farm Credit, Investment requirements
Session Chairperson- Mrs. Ranjana Kumar, Chairperson, NABARD
+++ Economic opportunities in Green-fuel energy
Mr. Ramesh Kumar, CGM, SBI
+++ Business potential in green-fuel energy production
Mr. Alagarswamy, Dr. MGR Foundation, Chennai
+++ Green-fuel: The needs for awareness and incentives
Kalyan Chakravarthy, Yes Bank
Discussion and Concluding remarks by Chair

16:30 - 16:45 Tea

16:45 - 17:30 Valedictory Session

Welcome address ---

--Mr. P.M.Sinha, Chairman, FICCI-Agriculture and Rural Development

committee Proceeding presentation by --

Mr. J.S.Saharia, Principal Secretary (Agri and Hort.), Govt of Maharashtra
Valedictory Address by--

Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Vote of Thanks by--

Mr. Sushil Kumar Jiwarajka, Chairman, FICCI-WRC

Integrated hot air roasting machine -- patent thereof

2008-08-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

Ref
Integrated hot air roasting machine
A project sponsored by me when I was ED of PCRA.
INTEGRATED HOT AIR ROASTING MACHINE
http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?wo=2006103526
Developed by PCRA and Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore
and patent filed.
The invention relates to an integrated hot air roasting machine for roasting/ toasting of cereals, pulses, spices, oil seeds and ready to-eat snac foods using flue gas, with the roasting, resting and cooling operations being performed in a single machine. The product processed by using this device has uniform roasting, uniform color, moisture and other sensorial properties. All the variables such as residence time, temperature of the hot air, resting time and cooling time of the roasted material are done sequentially by use of a programmable logical controller (PLC). The device is energy efficient as the hot air is recirculated. The roasted material will be discharged through the out let chute of the hot air roasting machine to the resting chamber, where the material is held inside this chamber for the moisture to stabilize.

Leena Mehendale elected R C Chairman of BORI

2008-08-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Expressindia » Story
BORI elects its 25 council members

Express News Service
Posted online: Saturday , June 07, 2008 at 12:45:52
Updated: Saturday , June 07, 2008 at 12:45:52
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Pune, June 6 The 25 members of the regulating council of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) were elected on Friday. The members of the council will now choose an honorary secretary on July 6 to head BORI for the next three years.

Shripad Bhat, Shailaja Bapat, A B Marathe, V L Manjul, S S Bhaulkar, Leela Arjunwadkar, Saroja Bhate, Malhar Kulkarni, M G Dhadphale, Deepak Tilak, G u Thite, P G Lalye, Bhupal Patwardhan, Maitreyee Deshpande, Rucha Mulay, S D joshi, Sadanand More, Shobana Gokhale, Kalyani Namjoshi, Leena Mehendale, Vasant Gadgil, R m Bhalerao, Shyam Satpute, Arun Barve, G T Panse are the new elected R C members.

The counting of votes went on till late this evening. Out of the 487 votes cast, only 328 were rendered valid. The next step is for the post of the honorary secretaryship, for which the two contestants are Saroja Bhate and M G Dhadphale.

M G Dhadphale, the incumbent secretary, has kept alive BORI in the public consciousness. He has claimed to be responsible for pulling through the Union Budget grant of over Rs 7.5 crore for the institute but there have been constant reports of friction between him and ex- secretaries and council members.

Over 48 candidates filed applications for the 25 RC seats till April 15. The ballot papers were distributed on April 25 to over 1,500 life members, who alone can vote for the council.

The last date for the sending in the votes for the members was on June 5. The counting process was conducted on Friday and the results were declared around 9.30 pm.

mapping of animal Census data

2008-07-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

mapping of animal Census data

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE OF DIRECTION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING STATISTICS HELD DURING OCTOBER 05-06, 2006 AT PUNE
inaugural address

Smt. Leena Mehendale, Principal Secretary, ADF, Government of Maharashtra in her inaugural address expressed her great pleasure that the Government of India has chosen Pune for holding the TCD meeting. She mentioned that the development potential of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries (ADF) is tremendous and planners may aspire to attain up to 10 % level of the growth rate. Information is an asset for planning. The ADF sector is very important from food security viewpoint. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry sector should go hand in hand. From energy point of view again, there exists substantial contribution potential from this sector. She suggested for the mapping of Census data which may mean convergence of many departments. Time series analysis and regression analysis should be put to use in order to understand numbers better. Total productivity and strategy for productivity increase will be different for different people. She illustrated this concept by giving the example of sheep rearing activity. It has different dimensions if its aims and hence people involved are different like for those pursuing for the life sustaining activity, for commercial or growth potential activity or for export base increase activity etc. In all such cases, for different people, different strategies of developments would be relevant. She appreciated calling TCD meeting at Pune as the participating officers would be free from all file works and would devote much of their time in deliberations. She wished a great success to the meeting in achieving its goal.

Energium 2004

2008-05-04T11:33:00.001-07:00

Energium 2004 brings to light need and measures of energy efficiency
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Energium 2004 brings to light need and measures of energy efficiency

E-Tex Staff - Mumbai

Energium 2004, organised jointly by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and the United States - Environmental Resource Centre (US-ERC), in Mumbai recently, emphasised the need for energy efficiency, through its two-day conference, ‘Energy Efficiency in Commercial Establishments’. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Leena Mehendale, executive director, PCRA stated, “It’s not just enough to have energy efficient solutions, a change in attitude is is important, creating awareness about energy is important.”

Said Mr Suneel Parasnis, director general, United States - Asia Environmental Partnership/USAID, western region, in his address, said, “We have reached a situation where we are forced to adopt energy efficiency as a way of life and business. We have no option.”

According to Mr V S Verma, director general, Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Member Planning, Central Electricity Authority, “Per capita energy consumption in India is still very low when compared to that in the developed countries. However, the pressure to save energy is just as urgent here. While effecting savings, energy efficiency also results in better cost-competitiveness, and also reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. All these issues are becoming increasingly important in a global marketplace.”

He further stated that India has an energy shortage of around 17.1 per cent, and even as the higher energy generation of 41,000 MW in the 10th Plan will be achieved, the demand for energy is also increasing very fast, as standard of living improves. In this scenario, energy conservation and efficiency is the only way to move ahead,” he said.

According to Ms Mehendale, “There is still a lot that needs to be done towards energy conservation and efficiency. Awareness is sadly lacking. The Bureau of Indian Standards has prescribed norms for manufacturing of equipment, which have to be voluntarily applied, but we have come across a number of equipment which do not meet these standards. At times, simple adjustments in the design of equipment can lead to immense energy saving and better efficiency, but this is not done due to lack of knowledge. At other times, standards are not met as these require some amount of investment, making the product that much costlier, so energy efficiency is sacrificed for low costs. We have still a long way to go in creating awareness about energy efficiency and then getting people to adopt such systems and solutions.”

Speakers at the conference included Dr Pramod Deo, member, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission; Mr S Padmanaban, senior energy and environment advisor, USAID; Mr A U Diggikar, director general, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency; Dr Naval Karrir, director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu; Mr E S Balasubramaniam, DGM, State Bank of India; Mr Jaisingh Dhumal, chief manager, ICICI Bank; Mr Abraham Varghese, head, energy management group, Enercon Systems; Ms Rupa Devi Singh, director, power practice, CRISIL; among others.

Dr Pramod Deo, in his paper on ‘Regulatory Issues and Energy Efficiency in Commercial Establishments’ spoke about the Electricity Act 2003 (EC 2003), which addresses the issue of improvement of energy efficiency directly for supply options, while the demand side is left to the ingenuity of the state electricity regulation commissions (SERCs). “It is well known that in order to give rightful palce to demand side management options, the regulators need to adopt Integrated Energy Resource Planning (IREP). IREP evaluates demand and supply-side options and determines the optimal energy service strategy that takes account of economic and environment factors. This brings into sharp focus the use of alternative energy supply options.”

Mr S Padmanaban, in his paper on ‘Policy and program initiatives to advance energy efficiency in commercial establishments’ spoke of the need for design of conservation strategies in commercial establishments. “There was a misconception that buildings in India did not consume much energy. However, the ground realities were different: in city after city air conditioning was beginning to grow rapidly and together with lighting, is a major contributor to peak load. Today, efficiency opportunities are being recognised by commercial builders, building appliance vendors, architects and design firms, etc.” He further stated that three key areas need to be addressed - regulations and market-driven prices, innovative financing with emphasis on risk coverage, and transforming technologies to reflect enhanced energy efficiency.

The push to adopt energy efficient solutions and systems is also coming from the financial sector, which has put in place schemes to boost investment in such ventures. The State Bank Of India (SBI) has initiated the ‘Energy Efficiency Project’. “An amount of Rs 190 lakh has been set apart for implementation of this pilot project, covering 140 units across the country. The bank will identify units enjoying credit limits which have investments in plant and machinery less than Rs 10 crore. Consultants will be empanelled at various centres and walk-in audits conducted with their help. The consultants will study all aspects of energy management, as per the bank’s standard format, prepare detailed project report on energy efficiency measures and its implementation,” said Mr E S Balasubramanian, DGM, SBI.

Other topics discussed at the summit were the latest energy saving technologies, making buildings energy efficient, ESCO approach to guaranteed energy savings, energy auditing, etc.

Detergent, urea in your child’s milk

2008-02-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

Aditya Ghosh, Hindustan Times
Email Author
Mumbai, June 16, 2007

One in every five packets of milk is adulterated in the state with chemicals such as caustic soda and urea.

While caustic soda, an acid found in detergents, damages the digestive tract including the stomach lining, urea can damage the urinary system and lead to the formation of stones in the kidney.

After a year’s investigation, the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the findings about milk in Maharashtra on Friday.

It is now launching a massive drive to check milk quality across the state. Even tankers coming from outside the state will be stopped at highway checkposts and samples taken.

When two owners of large dairies were contacted, they said their dairies did not produce such adulterated milk and refused to say anything else.

Among 761 samples tested between April 2006 and May 2007 from state cooperatives as well as private diaries, 151 samples were adulterated.

A report on 100-odd samples is awaited. The adulterants varied from chemicals like washing soda and urea to non-synthetic material like palm oil, liquid glucose and lactose. The FDA refused to say which dairies it had taken samples from.

Prosecution has started in only 27 cases. Soon after the FDA received the report, a high-level meeting was convened by the Home Department in the Mantralaya.

“The chief minister had attended the meeting and we are trying to evolve some strategy to counter this. He wants to make provisions for much stronger punitive action against the offenders,” said outgoing principal secretary of animal husbandry and dairy development department Leena Mehendale.

“From June, we launched a massive operation and in eight days collected 53 samples, arrested four people. We are waiting for the reports on the samples,” said FDA Commissioner Amitabh Chandra.

The samples had urea higher than the safety limit of 700 ppm, which experts correlated with indiscriminate use of fertilisers in cattle fodder. “It is a strong possibility. Also, fertilisers seeping into groundwater are affecting the quality of grass,” said Pune-based veterinarian Aniruddha Belsare.

In Mumbai, experts said some dairies added urea as adulterant to enhance colour and texture. “However, they did not realise that the natural urea content in milk was increasing all the time because of rampant use of fertilisers in fodder. Now, it is crossing the safety threshold,” said Dr JC Khanna, secretary, Parel Animal Hospital.

The future of energy security in hydrogen and renewable energy sources

2007-12-06T10:57:00.001-08:00

Publication Date:31-October-04
Source: Asia Intelligence Wire
The era of oil and natural gas is "slowly coming to an end", thanks to the environmental hazards created by way of emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), depletion of reserves and increasing political risks, the Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, M.S. Srinivasan, said here today.

The future of energy security would lie in hydrogen and renewable energy sources, including biofuel.

Addressing the inaugural session of the "Oil and Gas Meet - Focus on Latest Environmental Trends", last conference of the Energy Summit 2004 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mr. Srinivasan said spending of thousands of crores in refineries to improve the quality of fuel and reduce sulphur and other pollutants, amounted to "tinkering" with the environmental hazard, which lay in the amounts of heat-trapping greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide emitted by hydrocarbons.

Given the increase in global warming in the last century, equivalent to the rise in the temperature in the previous three millennia, and the fact that 15 out of the 16 warmest years recorded since 1860 had been seen since 1980, the limitations of oil and gas were obvious.

The "ubiquitous" nature of the use of oil and gas in transportation made environmental discipline more and more difficult.

Also, volatility in the prices of oil and gas was posing a "political risk" to governments everywhere because of consumer resistance.

Just as the first wave of industrialisation was fuelled by steam and the second wave by oil and gas, the third wave, characterised by the knowledge economy, would be fuelled by renewable energy sources and hydrogen.

India could not lag behind in researching and investing in the fuels of the future. The biggest problem posed by hydrogen was safe storage but even this was being overcome. The United States already had more than one thousand kilometre-long hydrogen pipelines. The world was also exploring the potential of the nano technology of carbon and Buckminster Fullerene pioneered by Prof. Harry Croto, which could meet the demands of the third energy wave, he added.

Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), suggested privatisation of "branch lines" of oil and gas pipelines to find resources for distribution to consumers such as industrial clusters. She urged industry to support research and education of households on turning kitchen waste into fertilizers or fuel with appropriate digesters, so that the cost of transportation to landfills and use of oil in that process could be eliminated.

Dr. Mehendale said farmers were already taking to alternatives such as jatropa biofuel, irrespective of whether industry was ready for it. At Oddanthurai in Tamil Nadu women were generating power using wood gasifiers, and despite the problem of smoke, it was a comparably clean operation. The PCRA had received suggestions on recycling fumes emitted during unloading of oil in retail outlets, she said.

suvarna panchhi: as reported in harmony

2007-11-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

the harmony Oct 2004 reported the arrival of this book.

An award that recognizes contribution PCRA 2004

2007-11-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

An award that recognizes contribution
By Suvira Srivastav
‘Together, can we do it?’ asks the advertisement of the PCRA (Petroleum Conservation Research Association) Energy Conservation Awards 2003. And, TERI’s Bangalore office, the winner of both the Best Energy Auditors and Best Performance Improvement Award, has shown that a lot can be achieved in conservation.
‘This award’ writes Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRA, to M K Halpeth, Fellow and Head of TERI’s Southern Regional centre, ‘proposes to honour and award individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contribution towards the cause of conservation of petroleum products’. This is because PCRA believes that, ‘Where conservation fails, pollution starts. And, where pollution ends, efficiency begins.’
So, the PCRA ‘Best Energy Auditors’ and ‘Best Performance’ awards were constituted and applications invited from corporates, organizations, and consultants, operating in the field.
Accordingly Halpeth adds, ‘We had sent full details of work done in the energy audits listing out details on energy saving opportunities, which helped the industries to initiate action for implementation and achieve energy savings. The feed back of three years work indicates that at least 60% of the identified saving potential mostly with the payback period of two years or less have already been implemented.’
The type of industries identified for this kind of saving by PCRA encompassed almost a gamut of industrial giants from iron and steel, paper and pulp, textiles, fertilizers, chemicals, to refineries.
Some other categories floated for the exemplary work in energy conservation involved small, medium and large projects.
All these awards were given to the respective winners on 30 January 2004, at a valedictory function of the Oil and Gas Conservation fortnight in Teen Murthi Bhavan, New Delhi.

demand, and not supply is the issue in biodiesel

2007-10-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.indiatodaygroup.com/btoday/20051106/trends4.html

BUSINESS TODAY, 6 Nov 2005

Agreed that biodiesel is the need of the hour. But the Union Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar's diktat to public sector oil companies to start buying biodiesel to blend with their regular diesel (in a 5:95 ratio) has left them in a bind. "Even if we were to blend only 5 per cent of biodiesel, we will need more than 20 lakh tonnes per annum," says a senior executive in an oil company. India has an installed biodiesel capacity of 50 tonnes a day. But Leena Mehendale, Joint Secretary, Petroleum Ministry and Executive Director of Petroleum Conservation Research Association, says that demand, and not supply is the issue. "Once the oil companies start buying (biodiesel) on a regular basis, the capacities will be increased," she says. Quality is another issue. If biodiesel were to be sourced from disparate sources around the country, monitoring and ensuring quality will be near impossible. "Oil companies will have to install the equipment to check the standard of supplies," says Mehendale. There's hope for the biodiesel advocates yet. There's a lot of global interest in the sector. The UK's d1 Oils, for instance, plans to set up an 8,000-tonnes-a-year biodiesel refinery near Chennai by next year.

Implementation Report on CEDAW

2007-10-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000215/nation.htm

Tuesday, February 15, 2000,
Chandigarh, India
The Tribune, Chandigarh
NEW DELHI, Feb 14 — Over 20 women organisations which deliberated on the government’s implementation report on the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) have suggested that they be taken into confidence by the government.

After going through the report presented by the government delegation during the recently concluded session of CEDAW in New York, the groups suggested that the government’s replies to the 76 questions posed by the UN committee were vague and incomplete.

The three-member delegation which attended the week-long session in January comprised the Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, (DWCD) Mrs Kiran Aggarwal, the Joint Secretary in the NCW, Mrs Leena Mehendale and the Deputy Secretary in the department, Ms Rashmi Chaudhary.

The questions raised by the 23-member UN Committee on CEDAW pertained to the representation of women in the Supreme Court of India, the role of the NCW, dowry cases, property rights of women, gender sensitivasation of police officers and civil servants and the status of CEDAW in the Indian legal system.

The committee also raised questions on women policy makers in mass media, representation of women in Parliament, the fate of the Constitutional Amendment Bill for reservation for women, views of educated women on caste, bonded labour, gender bias in family planning programmes and polygamy.

Apart from this, 11 NGOs invited to the session also submitted a report.

Invited to the discussion by the NCW, participants felt that their views were not reflected in the government’s replies.

The women organisations have urged the NCW to forward a report on Monday’s deliberations to the government through the DWCD. They have said that the government should hold discussions with the NCW and the NGOs before the session on the status of women scheduled in March and another preparatory meeting in May on the Beijing Platform for Action.

Prominent women organisations represented at the meeting were the National Alliance of Women Organisations, the Joint Women’s Programme and the Guild of Service.

smiles by Navin Kumar IAS

2007-10-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

All smiling officers in maharastra .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt819yDXRVo

soap opera aims to stop farmer suicides

2007-10-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

http://agrariancrisis.wordpress.com/2007/03/26/soap-opera-aims-to-stop-farmer-suicides-2/

March 26, 2007 at 8:52 am · Filed under Debt burden, Farmers Suicides, Second Green Revolution, Vidharba Crisis

Ashling OÂ¿Connor in Bombay

* March 26, 2007

Burdened by crop failures and unmanageable debts, thousands of desperate farmers are killing themselves every year despite the announcement of sizeable subsidies that were supposed to improve their lot.

There have been more than 200 suicides this year in the western state of Maharashtra alone, adding to 1,452 in the region last year. Official estimates put the death toll since 2001 on India’s western and southern farming plateaus at more than 5,000; unofficial surveys suggest that the number could be near double.

Faced with these alarming statistics, state officials have produced a docu-soap as a way of engaging with increasingly depressed and disenfranchised farmers.

The half-hour programme will run for three months initially on Sahyadri, the Marathi language channel belonging to Doordarshan, the state-owned national television network.

The concept is part enactment and part reality TV. A handful of professional actors would be required for some storylines but the central creative thread is that the farmers are the stars of the show.

The aim is to educate farmers on emerging cultivation methods, diversification options, available subsidies and loans as well as offer tips and counselling for dealing with a harsh and unwanted existence.

A popular quip among the 650-million-strong agricultural workforce is that, given the choice, they would rather be reborn a European cow than an Indian farmer.

Government officials are discussing deals with two production companies and hope to release the programme on June 6, World Environment Day.

“Television is a very important medium. It has a far reach, which means we can address their problems directly,” Leena Mehendale, principal secretary of Maharashtra’s animal husbandry department, said.

“One farmer can watch the serial and be entertained while another may pick up tips or good practices. The success of the programme will be judged on whether farmers have felt the need to participate and have felt that it will help them.”

The problem of farmer suicides has dogged a Congress-led administration aware that it must include agriculture in the Indian success story if the wider economy is to continue growing at 9 per cent a year and social frictions are to be avoided.

Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister, toured the worst-affected area of Vidarbha last July to assure farmers that their need for a fairer system of credit and improved irrigation facilities would be addressed.

His 37.5 billion rupee (£440 million) relief package has yet to make a real difference. After visits by more than 16 government committees, farmers in Vidarbha continue to borrow from loan sharks charging 60 per cent interest.

Nearly 2.8 million of the 3.2 million cotton farmers are defaulters and for every 100 rupees they borrow, about 80 rupees goes into servicing old loans, according to the Planning Commission. Meanwhile, only 3.5 per cent of the land is irrigated in a region that receives more than 800mm (30in) of average rainfall annually.

The docu-soap idea has emerged as pure monetary measures fail to stem the suicide rate. The Roman Catholic Church in India is thinking along similar lines. It recently began a counselling programme involving street plays, songs and art exhibitions to cheer farmers.

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, the so-called hugging saint, has also announced a two billion rupee programme focused on farmers’ psychological, emotional and spiritual needs.

Maitrin : a unique scheme for rural girl child

2007-10-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

URL: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=86919

Saturday, October 06, 2007
Close this window
Nation

Girls to gain a lot from goats in Maharashtra

Agencies

Pune, May 22: Young girls in rural households of Maharashtra will soon have a four-legged friend to promote their health and well being.

Sounds a bit strange. But the state Animal Husbandry Commissioner Leena Mehendale, who has conceived the unique project 'Maitrin' (girl friend) to hand over a she-goat to the families having a girl child, is confident of getting a nod from the state Cabinet, the first of its kind in the country.

Under the scheme, currently awaiting formal clearance from Finance ministry, the Animal Husbandry Department will provide a she-goat to those families in rural areas of the state having girls aged between 8 to 18 years.

Explaining to logic behind the measure to be implemented from coming financial year, Mehendale said that the goat was expected to serve as a means to increase income of the rural families resulting in better nutrition ‘for the traditionally neglected girl child’.

The beneficiary family heads will be told to test the hemoglobin percentage of the girls after a period of one year at government hospitals to know whether they were being looked after well.

"If we find that hemoglobin count has gone up after one year, the concerned family will be given one more female goat as an incentive of sorts," Mehendale said.

A Small Step Towards Modern Waste Management

2007-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.irastimes.org/Platinum_Jubilee/Mumbai_Seminar/Souvenir/Souvenir_Aug_2005_Articles.pdf

An experiment by DRM Hyderabad in which myself and PCRA are proud to be partners.

Waste Management is not a dirty word anymore, in
fact, it subscribes to the adage ‘ Cleanliness is next to
Godliness’.
Like all Government sectors, the Indian Railways
too, provide housing facilities to its staff and the colonies
are huge. These colonies, provided with Health and
Conservancy components, are indeed, a legacy of the
British Raj. This legacy also includes an abundant
heritage of greenery in all the Railway colonies and
offices. Waste Management in Railway colonies is very
traditional and clockwork-like, in so far that the sanctity
of cleanliness is still maintained intact and is not
influenced by the civic & municipal element.
Waste Management of today calls for state of art
technology, with derivatives like ‘power generation’,
‘cooking gas’, ‘recycled water’ (clear and potable)
‘recycled paper’, ‘bio- composting’, and the likes. And
there are insurmountable hurdles as well, like for
example, not knowing what to do with the non biodegradable
plastic waste that has not been picked out
by the ‘Rag-pickers’, who are logically the ‘tongue in
cheek’ of the Modern Waste Management. The plastic
waste is one of the pollutants of our environment, simply,
because it refuses to be bio-degradable.
Sitaphalmandi Railway Colony, at Secunderabad,
is a small colony of about eighty residential units built in
multi-storied complexes. The colony was most eligible
to experiment with the concept of Bio-composting as
propogated by PCRA with the help of bio-enzymes
developed by the Bhavalkar Institute and marketed by
Samrudhhi.
The genesis of the experiment lay in the officials of
PCRA surveying and appraising the garbage disposal
method as existing at Secunderabad and counseling all
Officers and concerned Health staff of Hyderabad
Division with the help of video, about the concept and
practice of Bio-composting. This concept advocates
conversion of only bio-degradable garbage into compost
in specially constructed bins wherein the garbage is
treated with enzymes.
The actual experiment took off when I counseled
the residents ‘en mass’ in their community hall with the
help of video footage loaned by PCRA, about
segregating garbage into bio-degradable, (organic
wastes that slowly decompose into elements of nature)
which had to be collected in green baskets and non
bio-degradable, (polythene bags, synthetic clothes,
etc.), which had to be collected in blue baskets. The
residents were counseled to sell the waste paper to
the Kabadiwala.
A significant counseling to them was not to accept
non bio-degradable, polythene and plastic carry bags
from vendors to the extent possible, to thus prevent
environmental pollution.
A masonry garbage bin was constructed in the
colony itself, as per specifications of PCRA and
collection of garbage in the bin was started in right
earnest. To give impetus to the project, Health staff
were cajoled into collecting the segregated garbage
from each household and to dump the bio-degradable
waste into the bin. The non bio-degradable waste was
to disposed in the routine manner. Specified dosage of
bio-catalyst and bio-sanitizer were sprinkled on the
garbage in the bin and covering the same with stone
powder/dust
The saying that what is ‘well begun is half done’ is
not so true in all cases. A couple of days later, I inspected
the bin and was aghast to see some polythene bags
containing bio-degradable waste dumped into the bin.
The basic point of the project had not gone home. Was
it communication gap? Was it language problem?
I did a house to house counseling all over again,
armed with pamphlets citing the DOs and DON’Ts in
English and Telugu (the local language), physically
demonstrating the segregation of household garbage
A Small Step Towards
Modern Waste Management
Ms. Vandana Singhal (IRAS ‘76)
31
into bio-degradable and non bio-degradable and also
advising them not to dump bio-degradable waste in
POLYTHENE BAGS! (for God’s sake!). The polythene
bag is NON BIO-DEGRADBLE! My voice had turned
hoarse and my legs were aching by the time I completed
the counseling. To make matters worse, it was raining!
But my efforts paid off.
The process and reaction in the garbage bin, due to
addition of the Bio-enzymes did not emit any foul odour
nor attract flies and the residents have accepted the
location of the garbage bin in their vicinity. They have
been promised that the bio-compost (manure) that
eventually will be the product, could be shared amongst
them to nurture their garden and kitchen plants. The
garbage generated by the colony comprising of biodegradable
waste is being consumed by the bin and
the experiment has brought about savings in
transportation costs.
By chance Smt. Leena Mehendale, Joint Secretary
& Executive Director of PCRA read my article in ‘Chetna’,
PCRA’s publication and made a surprise visit to
Hyderabad. She was very much impressed by the
project and arranged for docu-filming of the same. Within
a month, the documentary was shot. It was premiered
at ICF, Chennai, on 27th May, 2005. The documentary
will be telecast on select channels.
After the success of the experiment at Sitafalmandi,
the project was extended to Moula-Ali and Kacheguda
Railway Colonies and as of now, there are 19 healthy
bins located in various railway colonies in the Twin Cities
and also at Nizamabad, catering to the garbage
generated by families living in 3800 residential quarters.
To be modest, the ghost of comparison has always
haunted me whenever I have undertaken colonies for
the project, and has brought to the fore, aspects that
are a revelation.
As an evolutionary step in handling of the project,
the five ‘day to day’ steps, that are the daily routine
measures, have been painted on the bins in 3 languages
to ensure, educate and keep the process alive. They
are:
1. Spread bio-waste
2. Spray bio-sanitized water
3. Sprinkle rock dust/sand
4. Spread horticulture waste, and
5. Spray bio-sanitized water
Memories of the Learning Experience
It was time to go to bed and I get this call on the
phone “Madam” the caller says, “we live opposite to the
BCP Bin No.2 and for the past two nights, cockroaches
are coming into our house. I told my husband to find
out, he’s just returned with his torch light, he says they
are all coming out of the bin and the bin is smelling
horrible”. My heart skipped a beat. “OK I said”. “I will
send my inspector across, the first thing in the morning.
It will be taken care of”.
I told the Health Inspector to be more careful with
the Bin. Bio-sanitized water was sprayed twice a day
but the problem persisted even after 3 days.
The Investigation
I personally went to the project site and checked
up the large water container into which Bio-sanitizer
crystals had been deposited. I had a hunch that if the
water in the container was not sanitizing the bin,
something should have gone wrong with the Biosanitizer.
I made my men search for the crystals; finally
I got all the water emptied through a strainer to get the
crystals. The crystals were missing. The Bio-sanitizer
crystals do not get depleted nor dissolve in water; the
loss weighed heavily on my mind. They were probably
lost during cleaning of the container or should have been
taken along with the water gushing into the spraying
can. Depositing the Bio-sanitizer in the water container
was risky, as the crystals are small and are likely to be
lost or gushed away while spraying in the composting
bin.
The Panacea
After some probes and tinkering, I found a simple
solution. I made a small cloth pouch, deposited a fresh
dose of Bio-sanitizer crystals inside, sealed the pouch
with stitches and with the help of a twine, hung it inside
the water container. The pouch is always kept dipped
in the water. Sanitization is achieved and the Biosanitizer
is safe and secure! This practice is now
followed at all the projects. As for the cockroaches and
foul odour, the menace ceased after just 3 days.
32
The Fond Farewell at Nizamabad Station
This is an amusing anecdote. The ‘mass counselling’
for the residents of the Railway colonies at Nizamabad
was in session with the help of power point presentation.
For convenience, the General Waiting Hall on Platform
No.1 had been chosen as the venue. As the counselling
progressed, passengers started crowding outside the
Waiting hall, just to know what was happening. I was
aware, a while later, Passenger Train No.564 bound for
Secunderabad had rolled in and halted on PF-1. The
Guard blew the whistle and the train started moving.
On instinct, I dashed towards the crowd of passengers
outside and asked them what was the train that they
intended to catch. They said they were to catch Train
No.564. I shouted, indicating that their train had started
moving. They all realized their folly and rushed towards
the train. I had to shout to the Guard to stop for the sake
of the passengers. I was surprised that five ladies
emerged with their luggage from among the audience
in the hall and rushed towards the train. The participants
were all over, helping them. I asked them that they were
passengers and not supposed to attend the counselling.
“You were speaking so nicely” they said, “ the programme
was so informative and good that we forgot that we were
here to catch the train!”. Soon, a laughter riot broke out
amidst all this commotion and I couldn’t go on with the
counselling.
I did not want any passenger to miss any train on
DRM’s account!
Some Revelations
1. Wherever this project has been implemented,
there is a 50% savings in manpower &
transportation costs, as the organic garbage,
the generation of which is more at colonies gets
consumed at the composting bin.
2. Mind-set plays a very important part in the
success of the project. Wherever residents were
with incorrigible mindset, the success rate of
the project took a dip.
3. Houses with children, particularly with
adolescents, contributed primarily to the
success of the project.
4. The expectancy of the residents towards
redressal of their maintenance problems is
100% and they weigh their participation on such
a comparative plank.
5. Leaders of all sorts crop up out of thin air, and
when they are told to take up responsibilities,
they vanish into the same thin air!
vvvvv

Fuel saving should be part of school, college syllabii

2007-10-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/38791560.cms

Fuel saving to be part of school, college syllabii
27 Feb 2003, 2147 hrs IST,Siddhartha D. Kashyap,TNN

PUNE: What is a fuel? What is energy? What are the current reserves of exhaustible energy? What is the need for fuel conservation...

These are just some of the issues that secondary school students as well as graduates, irrespective of their disciplines (art, science or commerce), will soon be addressing in their classrooms. For, under a central government initiative, a course in energy conservation is being designed for ninth standard and second-year bachelors' degree students.

"Given the rising oil prices in the global market and the declining oil reserves, the best alternative is to educate youngsters in the judicious use of all energy sources," explained, Leena Mehendale, as joint secretary and executive director of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA),which comes under the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.

The initial directive to this effect came from the human resources development ministry, said Mehendale, a Maharashtra civil servant, on deputation to the ministry.

While a committee, comprising Sujata Phadke from the SNDT university; L. Chandrashekaran, manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd; agricultural scientist Rajesh Urkude; and A. Kaushik from PCRA, are working on the syllabus, a workshop will be held in April for course writers. "The idea is to invite maximum participation from all corners of the country," said Mehendale, who is on a visit to the city.

The PCRA has also decided to involve school students from across the country to conduct surveys, mostly in rural areas, on energy usage and conservation -- both in agriculture and domestic purposes, Mehendale said.

CONFERENCE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS

2007-10-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.bee-india.nic.in/sidelinks/Useful%20Downloads/Presentation%20seminars/EECE2004/session_details.pdfpdf

CONFERENCE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS held on 29 June, 2004

SESSION II POLICY AND REGULATION FOR COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS
Chairman: Ms Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRAA

Les biocarburants liquides

2007-10-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.riaed.net/spip.php?article943

Report of the GEF - STAP Workshop on Liquid Biofuels chaired by Leena Mehendale on 30 Aug 2005

Seminar on Bio-Diesel" at Nashik

2007-10-06T07:55:00.001-07:00

http://iasrd.org
Exerpt from the home page of IASRD

As a follow up of the first Seminar held on 7th March 2006 at New Delhi and the initiative of Hon'ble Ms. Leena Mehendale, Principle Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra, the Institute organized the "2nd Seminar on Bio-Diesel" at Nashik (Maharashtra) on 24th & 25th Feb 2007 in association with the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, GOI, at Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) Campus. The purpose of organizing the Seminar was to generate awareness among the masses, organize various stake holders to identify the wasteland for plantation of Jagtropha. Hon'ble, Dr. Rajan M Vellukar, Vice-Chancellor, YCMOU inaugurated the Seminar. The event was sponsored/Co-sponsored by M/s Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Min. of Petroleum & Natural Resources, GOI and M/s Mohindra & Mohindra, Nashik. Eminent speakers from Govt. of Maharashtra, IOC, Railways, PCRA, HPCL, M/s Mohindra & Mohindra, among others addressed the participants. At the Seminar, Western Railways invited IASRD to undertake planation of Jatroha along the railway tracks to be specified by Western Railways on pilot basis.

A special event ... Mahila Sahitya Sammelan

2007-10-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19990423/ile23137.html

Voice of the women
How often have women writers felt sidelined during literary meets? In response to that rather rhetorical question, the Suvarna Jyoti organisation has organised a women's literary meet (Mahila Sahitya Sammelan). To be inaugurated at the Balgandharva Rangmandir by Vasant Bapat, president, Bhartiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, the meet will be convened by Vandana Chavan and presided by Shantatai Kirloskar.

Various poetry recitals, kavi sammelans, live interviews and solo performances are on the agenda. On the discussion panels are Leena Mehendale, Neela Khandge, Dnyanda Naik, Tej Nivlikar amongst others. Here's to the word of the woman!

Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.

Oil Conservation message in AIZWAL

2007-10-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
***
Dated Aizawl, the 31st January, 2005

TUIALHTHEI RENCHEM TURA MIPUITE FUIH THIN TURIN MEDIA UNIT ZAWNG ZAWNGTE
I & B MINISTER IN A NGEN

Pu Jaipal Reddy, Information & Broadcasting Minister chuan a Ministry chhunga thuthar thehdarhtu pawl hrang hrang, Doordarshan leh All India Radio te tuialhthei leh eirawngbawlna gas renchem tura mipuite fuih thin turin a chah a, Oil & Gas Conservation Fortnight (OGF) kharna a renchem kawnga thawk tha chungchuangte hnena lawmman sem pahin he thu hi a sawi a ni. Heng tuialhthei leh gas te hlutzia leh ren taka hman a tulzia mipuite hrilh turin thuthar thehdarhtute hi an pawimawh takzet a, a bik takin Doordarshan leh All India Radio te phei chu ram hmun kiltina an inzar pharh avangin an chanvo a pawimawh zual hle niin a hria. Energy renchem hi khawlkhawm nen a intluk tlan reng avangin hei hi kan India ram laka kan bat mai ni lovin kan khawvel laka kan bat a ni takmeuh a ni, Minister chuan a ti bawk.

Petroleum thilte kan mamawh em em rual hian thawhchhuah lamah erawh kan pachhe hle mai a, kum 15 lo awm tur chhovah phei khi chuan tuna kan hmanral ang reng renga luanraltir kan nih chuan 85% teh meuhvin kan mamawhna te hi a la invawrh chhoh a rinawm hle mai a, chuvang chuan theih ang tawka kan inrenchem hi kan chanvo pawimawh em em a chu a ni ta a ni. Tun hnai maiah khan hei hi mitthla reng chungin Sawrkar chuan NELP round 5-na a huaihawt a. Petroleum Secretary, Pu T.C. Tripathi-a chuan khami hunah khan OGCF hun chhunga campaign ringawt hi a tawk lova, nasa zawka mipuite lama inrenchem tura campaign kan thlak takzet a tul thu a lo sawi ve bawk a ni. Petroleum hmangtu sector zawng zawngte hian Japan mite tihdan hi kan entawn a tha hle a, anni ram khian kum 1974 oil shock harsatna an tawh hnu khan an theihtawp chhuahin tan an lo khawh tawh a nih kha. Hemi avangin PCRA pawhin Japan ram institution te nena thawkdunin energy renchemna kawng hrang hrang ngaihtuah sela tha a ti hle a ni. Hemi tur hian oil sector pualin Rs. vbc 400.00 khawlkhawmin a awm mek nghe nghe a, hetih laiin tuialhthei leh gas renchem tih hian hman tlem kher beiseilo ta ila, amaherawhchu ram ropui siam tura a tangkai thei ang bera kan hman erawh a tul dawn a ni, Pu Tipathi-a chuan a ti. PCRA Executive Director, Pi Leena Mehendale pawhin energy renchem hi duhthlanna mai ni lova kan tih makmawh a a ngaih thu a sawi bawk.

Kum tin Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) chuan Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight hi a hmang thin a, training, seminar, workshop, clinic, media campaign te, hmeichhe puala two wheeler rally, naupang puala painting leh essay competition te buatsaihin a hmang thin a, OGCF-2005 chhung ringawt hian thil tihpui nuai khat vel lai neih a ni nghe nghe.

31.1.05

publication in Yojana and Mainstream

2007-10-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

Title : Crime against women.
Author :MEHENDALE, Leena
Annotation :Analyses the report of NCRB on crime against women during the years 1995, 96 and 97.
Publication :Yojana, Vol.46,, Feb.2002, pp.33-36 Magzines & Periodicals

Title : Inlaws, outlaws and the rule of law.
Author :MEHENDALE, Leena
Annotation :Analyses the report of National Crime Records Bureau on crime against women during the year 1995-1997.
Publication :Mainstream, Annual Number,, 2001, pp.105-110 Magzines & Periodicals

Fuel_Does_Grow_on_Trees

2007-10-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.frienvis.nic.in/NewDigest/July.htm#Fuel%20Does%20Grow%20on%20Trees

">
The above article on Jatropha for Bio - diesel was published in Times Of India on 1st July 2005

Ms. Leena Mehendale, energy APAC 2005.

2007-09-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.indiachina.org/resources/qi-india-china-trade.pdf
From India to China:
· Shri Sharad Pawar, Minister of Agriculture visited China between March 28 and
April 02, 2005. The minister visited Beijing, Nanjing and Guangzhou.
· Ms. Leena Mehendale, Joint secretary, Ministry of Petroleum visited China during
March 7-9. She attended an international conference Energy APAC 2005. In addition
to Beijing, she also visited Jinan.
· Mrs. Shamala Shukla, Director (FT), Department of Economic Affairs, ministry of
Finance visited China during March 8-9, for talks on Bilateral Investment Promotion
Agreement.
· Shri Rakesh Mohan, secretary (EA), Ministry of Finance visited Chongqing, China
from March 11-15, to attend the “G-20 Deputies” meeting and the session of the
“International Economic Cooperation for a Balanced World Economy”.
· A 17 member delegation of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) visited
Beijing and Shanghai during March 13-19. The delegation was led by Mr. Rakesh
Shah, Chairman, EEPC. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was
signed between the EEPC and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and
Export of Machinery (CCCME) with a view to facilitate more frequent exchanges and
flow of information and strengthen bilateral cooperation in this sector.
· A delegation from TEXPROCIL visited China between March 28-30, 2005. The
delegation participated in the “Yarn Expo” and the “Global Textile economic forum”
and also held talks with the China National Textile and Apparel Council

OCEANTEX 2004 awards

2007-09-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.domainb.com/industry/oil_gas/20040213_awards.html
OCEANTEX 2004 awards announced
Our Corporate Bureau
13 February 2004

Mumbai: H E Mohammad Fazal, Governor of Maharshtra, presented the OCEANTEX 2004 - Leadership & Excellence Awards for Hydrocarbon Industry, today at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Instituted by the Chemtech Foundation, these awards aim to commemorate achievements and contributions made by individuals, companies and institutions that have made India proud in the Hydrocarbon Industry. The winners were selected by a distinguished panel of jury and were felicitated at a glittering ceremony attended by distinguished personalities from the Oil & Gas sector in the country.

Mr. Jasu Shah, Chairman, Chemtech Foundation commenced the ceremony with the welcome note, followed by brief address by Mr. Subir Raha, Chairman Central Advisory Board, OCEANTEX 2004.

Mr. Subir Raha, Chairman & Managing Director, ONGC was honored with the 'Man of The Year Award' for 2003-2004 for his path breaking contributions in the Hydrocarbon industry.

OCEANTEX 2004 acknowledged excellence and leadership in the Indian Oil & Gas sector through the 'Achiever of the Year' awards presented for excellent contributions in the following segments

*
Dr. Avinash Chandra, Chief Consultant, OIDB and DGH: Exploration & Production.
*
Mr. M.S. Ramachandran, Chairman IOCL, Mr. S.K. Jain, Chairman PII & Mr. R.K. Garg, Galane Refinery: Oil Refining
*
Ms. Leena Mehendale, ED, PCRA: Energy Conservation
*
Mr. S.C. Mathur, CEO, Petronet LNG: Natural Gas
*
Mr. K. Venkataraman, President, Operations & Mr. Udayan Dasgupta, VP, Operations, Larsen & Toubro: Engineering send this article to a friendServices
*
The R&D Center, IOCL, Faridabad: Outstanding Contribution
*
Mr. Ashok Verma & Mr. Padam Singh, ONGC: Innovation of the Year

It's time for an alternative fuel

2007-09-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.energybulletin.net/2920.html
Published on 29 Oct 2004 by News Today (India). Archived on 29 Oct 2004.
It's time for an alternative fuel

by Staff Reporter
RELATED NEWS:

Review: Renewable energy cannot sustain a consumer society...

The view from oil's peak...

The peak oil crisis: the quiet time...

PetroProzac, Dasani-style...

Climate - Aug 31...

The era of human development with oil and gas as energy source is nearing its end and in the next 30-40 years, there will be a 'clean break' to produce energy from renewable, non-fossil fuels, mostly from hydrogen. The rise in global temperature due to emission of green house gases will force man to seek alternatives so that life is viable on earth, M S Srinivasan, additional secretary, Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said today.

He was delivering the inaugural address at the oil and gas meet of the Energy Summit 2004 organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry with the focus on 'Latest Environmental Trends' in this energy sector.

'We have to move onto the next line of development as technology is overtaking us rather fast and we should not be averse to thinking out-of-box in the search for alternative energy fuel,' he said.

Stating that mankind was paying a heavy price for 'aggressive pace in the quest for progress', he said, 'we have reached the end of the line of development and dependence on fossil fuel has to go' as in the Third Wave of progress, energy will be from renewable base and on an extremely diversified platform'.

After the 1973 oil shock when Saudi Arabia, an important OPEC member, imposed an embargo against America, the western world over the years had considerably reduced their dependence on oil and gas by diversifying their energy base. 'But still the world is yet to get out of the 'petra-addiction'. While US has moved away from such dependence, developing countries like China and India are exposed to volatility of oil prices as in recent times,' he said. For an oil price hike of $10 per barrel, a GDP is brought down by 0.6 per cent in the US, whereas in China and India it is a negative growth of 1.2-1.5 per cent for the same.

Besides heavy political risks associated with petra-addiction, damage in terms of environment and health because of oil and gas as main source of energy is huge and 'it will take around 300 years to regain the carbon cycle, if emission of carbondioxide is stopped from now on'.

Energy production through oil and gas has already peaked and 'depletion of resources cannot be solved just by switching over to alternative sources' as the energy economy has to undergo a paradigm shift, if there has to be any impact on the environment. 'We are depleting more of exhaustible resources, than it is possible to replenish in times to come,' he said.

By spending thousands of crores in meeting the Euro norms in auto-emissions of fuels 'we are just tinkering with the surface to contain the cataclysmic changes awaiting us'. In the last century (1900-2000), global temperature rose by three degree celsius on an average, resulting in 17 per cent decrease in snow caps giving rise to 20 inches rise in sea levels. By 2050, the temperature was expected to rise by another seven degree celsius and by 2010 it would by 10 degree celsius which would pose a big question mark on the survival of human species on the planet,' he declared.

The US already has plans for 25 per cent of its gasoline retail outlets dispensing hydrogen fuel by 2015 and with 1,000 km of hydrogen pipelines, it is well into finding a viable alternative. 'By combining nanotechnology manipulating subatomic particles for new products and hydrogen for alternative fuel, a way can be found on how to store hydrogen and discharge into the usage system,' he said.

'A lot of rigorous work is going on all over the world to find alternatives and hydrogen merits criteria for developing it as Third Wave energy source by marrying nanotechnology in its research,' he said.

Dr Leena Mehendale, executive director, Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA), speaking on the need for bio-gas as alternative fuel, said there was need to stop the transmission loss from the generation site to the end-consumers. Though Euro norms had come into existence in metro cities, there was a need for resource management and in smaller towns and cities, fumes of auto-emissions were contaminating the environment. 'There is a need to look at kitchen waste as possible source of bio-gas fuel, as huge amount of diesel and petrol can be saved if kitchen waste from households are treated to produce fertiliser and a source for fuel,' she said.

Though much spade work was being done on solar and wind energy, cost of energy was prohibitive due to costly material involved in them. 'We have to look into the possibility of decentralisation of power generation, so that wastage through transmission is avoided'.

Petroleum consumption is expected to go up from 112.56 million tonnes in 2002-03 to 175 mt in 2006-07 to keep up with the GDP target of the country, said S V Narasimhan, managing director, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL). 'It is important we conserve petroleum by using them judiciously, restrict its use to essential needs and use substitutes that have minimal ecological footprint,' he said.

PCRA’s first woman Director

2007-09-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020711/edit.htm
Thursday, July 11, 2002, Chandigarh, India
PCRA’s first woman Director

Ms Leena MehendaleMs Leena Mehendale, a 52-year-old Maharashtra cadre IAS officer of the 1974 batch, recently took over as the first woman Executive Director of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Ministry of Petroleum. Although the compulsory wait period after a study leave stretched from October, 2001, to the fourth week of June, 2002, her patience finally bore fruit after the Appointments Committee of Cabinet cleared her name for the post.

This is the first time since PCRA’s inception in 1976 that a non technocrat outside the oil sector is holding the office of the ED. Ms Mehendale, therefore, enjoys the distinction of being the first woman IAS officer to be entrusted with this responsibility.

Known for her versatility, literary taste, writing skills and candour, she stepped into her new office in the Engineers India Limited building on Bhikaji Cama Place in the national Capital on June 25. Having spent three years (July, 1998, to May, 2001) in the National Commission for Women as Joint Secretary, Ms Mehendale is determined to advocate the entry of women in the oil sector.

“The number of women in this office is practically nil at the officers level. A lot of women pass out of the engineering colleges and IITs every year. We do not lack the women work force in the engineering sector. It is only a question of giving them representation in the oil sector. The only other bureaucrat in PCRA is Ms Vandana Singhal (from the Indian Railway Accounts Service) who heads the Oil Industry Development Board.”

Ms Mehendale comes from a family of bureaucrats. She is married to Pune-based engineer Parkash Mehendale and both her sons are engineers. She has held several key posts, including the Collector of Sangli district, Maharashtra (1984 to 1985), the Divisional Commissioner, Nasik, the Managing Director of the Western Maharashtra Development Corporation (1985 to 1988) and officiated as Vice-Chancellor of Open University (1994 to 1995). As Joint Secretary, NCW, she was entrusted with investigation of the Anjana Mishra case in Orissa besides cases of sexual harassment.

She has published three books in Marathi and two in Hindi.

Bio-diesel seminar in Anand

2007-09-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.newkerala.com/july.php?action=fullnews&id=54272
--- UNI
NewKerala.Com
Home > News > Gujarat News

Bio-diesel seminar to be held in Anand

Anand, Gujarat, Aug 16 : A one-day seminar on 'Bio-diesel for sustainable growth' will be held on 18 August at the Anand Agriculture University (AAU) campus.

The event is being jointly organized by AAU and the Institute of Applied System and Rural Development, New Delhi.

Gujarat Government Additional Chief Secretary and Cooperatives Dr Avinash Kumar will inaugurate the seminar.

AAU vice-chancellor Mr M C Varshneya will preside over the seminar while Maharashtra Government Principal Secretary Ms Leena Mehendale will deliver the keynote address.

SAVE ENERGY interview in Shilpa Bichitra

2007-09-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.shilpabichitra.com/shilpa2003/dest097.html

SAVE ENERGY
By Leena Mehendale
Executive Director, Petroleum Conservation Research Association

Energy makes our world work. We have almost come to take it for granted. But lately you may have heard people, and seen many newspapers and magazines discuss the ‘energy crisis’. What is the problem? Why are people constantly wondering about the future?
Let us show you how each of us has a part to play in tackling the problem. And making the world a better place in the future.

What is Energy?
We constantly hear the word ‘energy’ in everyday life. We admire the ‘man with energy’. We eat ‘high energy foods’. Parents say their children are ‘full of energy’. And so often we hear that the ‘world is running out of energy’, that energy is precious, that it should not be wasted.
What does ‘energy’ really mean?

The Various Forms of Energy
Mechanical Energy
The moving force of all machinery. They do work by making wheels go round. Animal power and human energy are also examples of mechanical energy.
Heat energy
The heat of exploding gases makes an engine move forward. Blowing up a balloon with hot air, and letting it go, is like how a jet engine works with heat energy!
Light Energy
...or radiant energy, pouring out from the sun, sustains all green plants. Radio waves, X-rays and ultra violet rays are also invisible forms of radiant energy.
Chemical Energy
The energy of food and fuels. Food keeps us strong for work. The energy of oil, coal, wood and gas-released in the form of hear-runs engines, keeps us warm.
Electrical Energy
This is associated with magnets and electrical currents. It lights our homes; makes our gadgets work – at the flick of a switch.
Nuclear Energy
This is the energy from the nucleus of an atom. It can be very dangerous (when used for A-bombs and H-bombs) but also has very important uses if used for peaceful purposes (e.g.: in power stations).

How Energy Aids Mankind
Energy has always been the key to man’s greatest goals, and to his dreams of a better world. The caveman started on the path to civilization when he discovered the energy in fire for that and light, and utilized the energy in his body to hunt for food and survival. Today, man has come a long, long way, and discovered innumerable ways to make various forms of energy work for him.
This quest for finding new uses of energy has led to exciting discoveries and inventions in fact; we cannot imagine a world without them.
Machinery in our factories and farms, electricity for lighting and heating, petroleum to carry us places, nuclear power and solar power to aid exciting futuristic programmes and inventions have all risen from man’s interest in energy.

Our Most Important Energy Source
Of all our energy sources, there is nothing so useful of versatile as OIL or petroleum.
Hidden in vast reservoirs, deep under the earth, oil is considered the prime source of energy all over the world. When you think of ‘OIL’ you probably think of something to cook with, or something that keeps machinery working.
But oil is much more than that. In its crude state- or basic form –oil or petroleum is a dark black liquid, which is pumped out of the earth and ‘refined’ – or separated into various forms of ‘oil’. Each of these forms of ‘oil’ has countless uses – in our homes, on our roads, in our farms, and in our factories.

OIL Takes Millions of Years to be Made.
Oil lies trapped deep under the earth’s surface. How it got there is very interesting:
Plants and animals that lived millions of years ago on earth died and were covered with layers and layers of sand and rock, preserving their energy within their cells.
Under pressure, these turned into dark liquid – ‘crude oil’.
Oil was first discovered by man when it seeped to the surface in small quantities. As man began to discover uses for it – from medicines to fiery weapons, to burning at temples-the demand for this marvellous substance grew.
Today, gigantic oil wells with huge drilling bits bore deep through the earth’s surface till they strike a store of gas and oil, floating on water. Oil is made to gush out and collected in large quantities, from where it is sent to the refinery.
Oil is sometimes found under the ocean bed too! This method of pumping out oil is known as ‘off-shore drilling’.

Refining Petroleum - for a Hundred Different Uses.
Heat and pressure is applied to the crude oil in varying degrees at refineries – to squeeze every drop of usefulness from oil.
This separates oil into its various components such as: gas, petrol, kerosene, diesel, lubricants, etc.

But… Precious Oil is in Short Supply.
Oil, like all natural resources can only be found in certain places: N. America, USSR, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and N. Africa are some of the leading oil producing regions of the world.
India, unfortunately, has very little of its own oil…. hence we depend greatly on what we get from other oil-rich nations.
And with oil becoming more and more difficult to locate all over the world, it is also very expensive for our country to buy it.

Unfortunately, a Lot is Being Wasted.
The saddest thing is that after paying so much, a lot of people carelessly waste this precious liquid.
In kitchens, gas and kerosene stoves sometimes burn unnecessarily. The black smoke you see coming out of automobiles means a big waste of petrol. In factories and farms, tonnes of precious oil are wasted through bad working methods.

Set up by the Government of India, Petroleum Conservation Research Association is a registered society under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas to promote conservation of petroleum products. Its principal objectives:

* To formulate strategies and promote measures for accelerating conservation of petroleum products leading to environment protection, energy and sustainable development;
* To create awareness among masses about the importance, benefits and methods of conserving petroleum products & clean environment by enhancing information and capacity building;
* To promote research, development and deployment efforts aimed at petroleum conservation & environment protection, support & facilitate efforts for adoption and dissemination of fuel efficient technologies and substitution of petroleum products with alternate fuels and renewables;
* To establish synergistic institutional linkages at the national & international levels in the areas of petroleum conservation & environment protection;
* To provide training and technical advisory services, designed to achieve economy & efficiency in use of petroleum products for cleaner environment;
* To function as a “Think Tank” to the Govt. of India for proposing policies and strategies on petroleum conservation and environment protection aimed at reducing excessive dependence on oil.

Oil Will Last Much Longer….
If we all take a bit of care.
The world has been using up a lot of oil over the years. Will the day come when there is no more oil under the earth?
That day may not be far away. But what we can do now, when we still have this precious liquid, is to use it as carefully as we can.
In the kitchen: the pressure cooker, and other fuel-saving methods help save gas and kerosene.
On the road: driving slowly and keeping vehicles in good condition save precious petrol and diesel.
In fact, we can try and avoid using private vehicles as far as possible, and think twice before each trip. Cycling costs not a drop of petrol!
In factories: thick black smoke, coming out of factory chimneys, is a sure indicator of waste-and a problem of pollution too. Factory workers can, with good techniques and an efficient work pattern, avoid a lot of waste of oil.
In farms: a simple checklist on tractors and lift-irrigation pumps for farmers can save valuable diesel.
You have seen how important oil is as a source of energy.
People all over the world have come to realize its value. And while the search goes on for finding more of this precious liquid, scientists are busy working on other sources of energy too.
But as long as people continue to waste our precious energy, all these efforts are of little use. That is why CONSERVATION – or using something without waste – is being popularized everywhere.
As you grow up, you too will be using various forms of energy especially oil, everyday. And the sooner you make conservation a habit the better!
Look around you: has somebody left the lights and fans on unnecessarily? Is there something boiling over in the kitchen? Are there any small errands you can do like walking or cycling down to the store, rather than use a vehicle that consumes petrol? Yes, there are many, many ways you too can help the world save energy.
The author is Executive Director
Petroleum Conservation Research Association
ACTIVITIES

FIELD ACTIVITIES

* Energy Audit & Diagnostic Studies in small, medium and large industrial units.
* Empanelment of energy auditors.
* Soft loan schemes for improving energy efficiency.
* Driver training programme.
* Model depots studies.
* Workshops for domestic consumers of Kerosene/ LPG.
* Clinics for farmers through Agriculture Extension Agencies, State Agriculture Departments and Universities.
* Installing BIS standards agriculture irrigation pumpsets and rectification of inefficient diesel pumpsets for demonstration.
* Workshops on fuel conservation for fleet operators and industries.
* Organizing National/ Regional/State level Seminars on Petroleum Conservation.
* Conducting exhaust emission awareness checks for petrol/diesel vehicles.
* Development of External Faculties for promoting Oil Conservation.

EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

* Oil Conservation awareness campaign through mass media i.e. (Press, Cinema, Radio, TV, Outdoor Publicity, Electronic Animation Display & Van Publicity of State Govt.).
* Development and distribution of printed literature on Oil Conservation.
* Publication and quarterly technical journal such as Act Bulletin, Newsletter on Oil Conservation.
* Production of educational films, TV advertisements, radio jingles and cinema slides on petroleum conservation.
* Participation in Exhibitions, Melas, Fairs, etc.
* Market survey on effectiveness of awareness campaign.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

* Evaluation of fuel saving devices and additives.
* Development of improved combustion equipments and systems.
* Development of fuel-efficient appliances, devices, equipments.

Mass Media Units to support oil conservation

2007-09-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

I&R Mininster to support Mass Media Units on oil conservation
Source: North East Press Service
home >> Headlines

Kohima, Jan 31 (NEPS): The Minister of Information & Broadcasting Jaipal Reddy has assured all support of the Mass Media Units like Doordarshan and All India Radio under his Ministry for educating the masses about conservation and optimum utilization of oil & gas resources in the country.

Speaking after giving away the awards for exemplary conservation work at the valedictory function of Oil & Gas Conservation Fortnight (OGCF) here today, Reddy emphasized the importance of avoiding wasteful use of energy and the useful role that mass media units can play in educating the people.

He underlined that wide reach of Doordarshan and AIR would prove critical in this regard.

Stating that the energy saved is energy produced, the Minister said that he would add to it “Energy saved is nature conserved.

We not only owe this to our nation but also to the mother earth as energy sources are finite in nature”.

Referring to the big gap between demand and supply of petroleum products, Reddy informed that this gap would further increase to about 85% in next fifteen years at the current rate of increasing consumption.

Making a call for adopting energy efficient practices, he said that government has taken several initiatives to enhance domestic production which include the recent offer of 20 exploration block for bidding under fifth round of NELP.

Speaking on the occasion Petroleum Secretary S.C. Tripathi, pointed out that the movement for creating awareness should continue throughout, as the campaign during OGCF alone is not enough.

He called upon petroleum and other user sectors to follow Japanese example, which institutionalized the best energy efficient practices after the oil shock of 1974.PCRA should develop synergy with institutions in Japan for evolving energy efficient measures.

He brought out the scope for conservation by informing that turnover in oil sector is of the order of about Rs.400.000 crore.

Tripathi however reminded that the conservation of oil & gas does not mean reduction in their use but entails the most efficient use for an import dependent country.

This is all the more important as for sustaining the high GDP growth rate, a higher energy consumption would be required.

Mrs. Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRA said, “Energy conservation is no more a matter of choice, but of the utmost importance to ensure the country’s energy security.” According to official sources, the Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight 2005 organized every year by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) was marked by activities such as trainings, seminars, workshops, clinics, media campaigns, ‘Save oil’ women’s two wheeler rallies, children painting and essay competitions.

These were aimed to cover the masses at large.

SNIPPETS - 31, JAN 2005

Pune’s bird flu virus lab gets Rs 2.5 cr for upgradation

2007-09-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

indian express
Pune’s bird flu virus lab gets Rs 2.5 cr for upgradation
March 2, 2007 at 8:02 am
• Current Affairs • City
indianexpress: A year after the bird flu outbreak in the country, the avian influenza diagnostic laboratory at Aundh is all set to be upgraded on the lines of the Bhopal-based High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) — the only laboratory in the country that can detect the H5N1 virus in birds. According to animal husbandry department principal secretary Leena Mehendale, an allocation of Rs 2.5 crore had been made to upgrade the laboratory in Pune.
At present, this is among the four regional labs — including the ones at Kolkata, Bangalore and Jalandhar — for checking and examining poultry samples for diseases. The laboratory is engaged in collecting samples from migratory birds, poultry and ducks and then testing the serum for antibodies. After the laboratory has been upgraded, scientists will be engaged in isolation of the virus, explained State Commissioner of Animal Husbandry Bijoy Kumar.
The laboratory uses the AIV AB Elisa test for the qualitative detection of antibody to the most common and prevalent avian influenza virus in chicken, turkey, geese or duck serum. The laboratory gets its samples from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Goa, Daman and Diu, and various parts of Maharashtra. “We are in a state of preparedness with a surveillance plan,” says Mehendale.

Alert for Oil conservation : LM interview in Woman's Era Nov 2004

2007-08-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is the link
http://www.geocities.com/eng_articles/interview-women_era.pdf

womens health as a means to discriminate

2007-06-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Priyanka Kakodkar
Thursday, April 12, 2007 (Mumbai)
The corridors of power in Maharashtra have been shaken up by new rules for women bureaucrats.

The rules, which are meant for the All India Services include a mandatory health check up, which is part of the performance evaluation.

However, as part of the health check-up, the new questions that are specific to women officers have sparked a controversy.

The new rules drafted by the Union Personnel Ministry demand that women bureaucrats detail their menstrual history, the date of their last menstrual period and their last delivery in their annual performance evaluation.

They also ask whether the their mammographic and gynaecological tests were normal.

There are nearly 40 women IAS officers in Maharashtra who now plan to send a protest letter to the Centre.

''I think there's absolutely no connection between women's health and performance. And why are men not being asked these questions,'' said I A Kundan, Fee Monitoring Committee.

''I don't think this should be used as a parameter to assess a woman's health and for which she could be penalised,'' said Leena Mehendale, Secretary, Animal Husbandry.

These rules will apply not only to women IAS officers but also to those in the police and forest service, and though the protest may be starting in Maharashtra, it is likely to spread to other states.

Girls to gain a lot from goats in Maharashtra

2007-06-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=86919#compstory

The Indian Express Dt 23 May 2007

Girls to gain a lot from goats in Maharashtra

Agencies
Posted online: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 1427 hours IST

Pune, May 22: Young girls in rural households of Maharashtra will soon have a four-legged friend to promote their health and well being.

Sounds a bit strange. But the state Animal Husbandry Commissioner Leena Mehendale, who has conceived the unique project 'Maitrin' (girl friend) to hand over a she-goat to the families having a girl child, is confident of getting a nod from the state Cabinet, the first of its kind in the country.

Under the scheme, currently awaiting formal clearance from Finance ministry, the Animal Husbandry Department will provide a she-goat to those families in rural areas of the state having girls aged between 8 to 18 years.

Explaining to logic behind the measure to be implemented from coming financial year, Mehendale said that the goat was expected to serve as a means to increase income of the rural families resulting in better nutrition ‘for the traditionally neglected girl child’.

The beneficiary family heads will be told to test the hemoglobin percentage of the girls after a period of one year at government hospitals to know whether they were being looked after well.

"If we find that hemoglobin count has gone up after one year, the concerned family will be given one more female goat as an incentive of sorts," Mehendale said.

Urban Waste Management

2007-06-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.pcra.org/English/general/act.pdf
The special issue of ACT

Khel Khel mien badlo duniya -- An inspiration

2007-06-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

http://www.sofworld.org/scienceclub/view.php3?id=1403

Science Club

Student Name - Gaurav Arun Pandit
School Name - K.C.COLLEGE
School Address - DINSHA WACHCHA ROAD, CHURCH GATE, MUMBAI
State - MAHARASHTRA
Class - 11

Gaurav Arun Pandit
Please, Contact info@sofworld.org for changes, if any!

Respected Principal,
The undersigned students led by me have decided to start a science club in our collage. We all have decided to name the club as science for society.
We have decided to start this club taking inspiration from a TV Programme on ‘DD National’ named as ‘Khel Khel mien badlo duniya which is hardly watched by viewers due to lack of publicity. We are also influenced by an interview of ‘Mrs. Leena mehendale’ Precident of ‘PCRA’ on ‘Genext’ on ‘DD news’. She told some simple ideas to prevent waste of natural resources to conserve fuels, electricity and other energies and work of ‘PCRA is to achieve this goal. The main aim of the club will be to spread the massage of conservation of fuels, electricity etc. as well as protection of fuels, electricity etc. as well as protection of nature and to hold various projects and to guide people and some junior students about their problems and projects.
We have observed that though we learn science in schools and collages we don’t put it into practice therefore we observe that there is a criminal waste of energy, water, electricity, fuels by educated people leave apart the uneducated ones. Therefore our club will endeavor schools on subjects of conservation of resources. We will impasse upon children to spread the massage in their family amt. to spread the massage in their family and neighbourhood. We will take help of CD’s which are made available to us by well wisher.
We also propose to educate people about this during holidays and vacations. We hope that we will be successful in our work. If this type of clubs function in different parts of our country, they definitely we will become a scient force to reckon with.
We hope that you will bless our club by becoming it’s chief patron.

turtle alert 8 Apr 2005

2007-06-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.ioseaturtles.org/headline_detail.php?id=155
Indian Ocean- South East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding

Hunt for gas runs up against turtle alert 8 Apr 2005

NEW DELHI, March 20: India's endless quest for gas has run up against
the threat this may pose to one of its favourite turtles. Petroleum
Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has been asked to play judge and decide whether
exploration should continue in an area that the Petroleum Conservation
Research Association (PCRA) claims is the breeding zone for Olive
Ridleyturtles. The PCRA is completely opposed to the idea.

''Though exploratory activities are carried out at a distance of 40-60
km from the (Orissa) coast, their lights could have an adverse impact on
(the) turtles,'' argues PCRA executive director Leena Mehendale in a
letter to Aiyar. She says that the turtles are afraid of artificial
lights and the disorientation could see them heading towards land, resulting
in high mortality. Moreover, during the assessment phase, the gas would
have to be flared for several days. ''This flaring is bound to add to the
problem,'' she wrote. The Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH),
another wing of the same ministry, disagrees with the PCRA assessment.

For one, it says that heavy lighting is not used during drilling.

''Moreover, the point is irrelevant because the drilling locations are
30- 50 km away from the breeding, nesting or foraging areas... Once the
drilling rig moves away after the completion of operations, there are
no light sources in place,'' it said. The DGH seems keen to explore the
area as there have been promising gas finds along this coastline. On the
other hand PCRA, which was asked to look at the environmental impact of such
activity, is worried about the 70-cm long Olive Ridleys. These smallest
of sea turtles swim northwards from Sri Lanka between November and April
for mass nesting on the Orissa coast. This occurs at three nesting grounds?
Gahirmatha, Devi river mouth and Rushikulya river mouth. These are
precisely the three exploration sites mentioned in the PCRA report.

The DGH disagrees. ''The distance of the drilling locations are at
least 30-50 km away from the outer boundaries of Devi, Rushikulya and
Gahirmatha breeding areas,'' it has said. Mehendale has suggested a detailed
analysis of the impact that the exploration or drilling activity could have on
the turtles. The Environment Ministry's Multi-disciplinary Expert Group,
that visited the exploration sites, could not come to a definite conclusion
either and agreed that there was a ''need for carrying out more
detailed study''.

Mehendale's fear is that once hydrocarbon reserves in this area are
established, permanent fixtures would come up and construction activity
would increase. The appeal is before Aiyar who has called a meeting of
the PCRA, the DGH and the block operators this month before he announces
his decision.

By Biswajit Mohanty, Wildlife Society of Orissa: 21/3/2005

‘Khel Khel Me Badalo Duniya’

2007-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030618/ncr2.htm
Tribune News Service

Infotainment fare with conservation message

Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), an apex body under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gases, has recently produced a 13-episode infotainment TV programme, ‘Khel Khel Me Badalo Duniya’, to convey the message of oil conservation to the masses.

The various aspects of petroleum exploration, refining, research and usage, as well as the different aspects of its conservation have been well discussed and depicted in order to sensitise the people on this vital issue and motivate them to actively conserve precious resources in their day to day life.

In the programme, participants have been asked to choose a topic on the theme of oil conservation and address it in their own special way. Participants include schools and colleges students from different parts of the country. There are some episodes in which teachers and students, young and old, males and females, self-employed professionals and government employed professionals also compete with each other for better idea.

The programme is divided into four segments. The first segment, ‘Kuch Kar Diikhana Hai’, is a performance based round where the participating teams are free to perform dance, drama, mimicry, parody, etc. on the theme of oil conservation.

The second segment, ‘Duniya Badalne Ki Baat’, covers success stories of organisations and persons who have made a difference in the life of others through their determination and sustained efforts.

It is aimed at motivating the youths to emulate and excel in life. Rajendra Singh, who is involved in water harvesting projects in Rajasthan, is featured as one of the success stories.

In the third segment ‘Aakde Bolte Hai’, the participants are shown interesting facts and figures based on energy conservation.

The programme ends with ‘Ek Choti Si Baat’, in which eminent personalities including Jagjit Singh, Swapan Sundari, Sudhir Tailang, Javed Akhatar deliver a message on the theme of oil conservation. The whole programme has been conceptualised by a well-known TV producer Leena Mehendale.

The main anchor of the programme is Kishen Bhutani, a well-known name in the audio-visual circuit.

Input by Nalini Ranjan

kitchen wastes as a source for generating electricity

2007-06-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.domainb.com/industry/oil_gas/20041101_petro.html

India should come out of petro addiction
Our Corporate Bureau
01 November 2004

Chennai: The environment-unfriendly oil and gas era is slowly coming to an end as countries realise the cost, especially the political costs of petro addiction. That requires some disruptive technologies on the energy front.

Delivering the inaugural address at the 'oil and gas meet' organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), M S Srinivasan, additional secretary, ministry of petroleum and natural gas, stated that during the last one year alone, oil prices had gone up by 65 per cent, affecting the GDP of developing countries.

The 'oil and gas meet' is being organised as a part of the Energy Summit 2004, organised by the CII-Sohrabji Godrej 'green business centre' on energy efficiency, at Chennai.

According to Srinivasan, the third energy wave - the first being coal and the second being oil and gas - should be diversified and renewable. "The diversification should be in source, usage as well as storage methods," he said. While a hydrogen-based energy economy could be a distinct possibility, he pointed out that storage and discharge of hydrogen was going to be a challenge. According to him, work is in progress on integrating nano-technology with hydrogen.

He also cited the adverse environmental impact created by the uncontrolled use of fossil fuels, such as greenhouse emissions and the resultant climate change. According to Srinivasan, though global warming had been taking place for the past hundred years, it had accelerated only after '80s to the extent that 15 of the 16 warmest years had occurred after the '80s.

Dr Leena Mehendale, executive director, Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), called upon the industry to look at alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), bio-diesel for transportation and other renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy.

She wanted the potential of utilising household kitchen wastes as a source for generating biogas to be examined seriously as Delhi alone would save diesel worth Rs5 per lakh per day by generating biogas from such wastes.

In his theme address, S V Narasimhan, chairman, 'oil and gas meet', said that the 21st century was the "century of gas", with the shift in global trends from using liquid fuels to gaseous fuels, in view of their lower emissions and sulphur content.

K Vasudevan, chairman, Energy Summit 2004 and G Jayaraman, chairman, 'national award for excellence in energy management' also addressed the gathering.

New oil find may be Jatropha plant

2007-06-02T11:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/26/stories/2005082610500500.htm

Other States - Rajasthan

New oil find may be Jatropha plant

Special Correspondent

It grows like a weed in wasteland and is used by rural folks to protect their crops Tribals in Rajasthan, M. P. make use of the oil from Jatropha seeds for lighting lamps

JAIPUR: The new oil find in the desert may be the bio-diesel plant Jatropha, commonly known as "Rattanjot'' in this part of the country. Rajasthan, occupying one-tenth of the country's total land mass but boasting of only one per cent of its water resources, is considered ideal for growing Jatropha Curcus, also known by the names of Pongamia Pinnata, Honge and Karanja.

Jatropha, now spotted as an ideal source of TBO (tree borne oil seed), is already grown in the region. Farmers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh have been putting the oil from its seeds to local use before the Planning Commission, concerned with the country's growing expenses over imports of crude--52 million metric tonnes of high speed diesel by 2006-07, decided to set up a Bio-diesel Mission in 2002.

It grows like a weed in the wasteland and is used as a hedge by the rural folks to protect their crops. The tribals in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh make use of the oil from Jatropha seeds for lighting lamps. On a commercial scale, it can be planted on under-stocked forest lands, fallow lands and on farmers holdings as agro forestry along with agricultural crops.

Apart from the areas under the Japanese-assisted Aravalli Afforestation Programme in Banswara and Udaipur, Rattanjot is grown across 600 hectares in Rajasthan. The pilot projects, covering 300 hectares each, are run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Maharana Pratap Agriculture University, Udaipur. The plants consume less water and can also adjust to harsh weather conditions.

"In three years since the Planning Commission took the initiative on bio- diesel, a lot of things have happened. The latest has been the setting up of a bio- diesel credit bank by the PCRA on August 17,'' observed Leena Mehendale, Executive Director of the Petroleum Conservation and Research Association (PCRA), addressing a media workshop on bio-diesel at the Press Information Bureau here on Tuesday.

"The target now is to bring 2.2-2.6 million hectare area under the plant all over the country so that we can start blending 5 per cent bio-diesel extracted from Jatropha seeds with petroleum diesel from next year and take it up to 20 per cent by the year 2011-12,'' Ms. Mehendale said.

The use of bio- diesel results in substantial reduction of unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and particulate matters. It has no sulphur, no aromatics and has about 10 per cent built- in oxygen which helps it to burn fully, it is being pointed out. Though oil can be extracted from Jatropha seeds by trans-esterification (manually), there are now machineries, varying from 10 litres to 1000 litres a day in capacity, available in the market. "At present everything is on an ad hoc basis. The cultivation of Jatropha has not picked up momentum,'' conceded Ms. Mehendale who said the Petroleum Ministry had already recommended fixing a minimum support price for bio- diesel from the plant. The MSP proposed by the Ministry is Rs.23 per litre.

Once the announcement of MSP was made, at least 20 depots of the Indian Oil Corporation and other oil companies would be procuring the bio diesel. "We expect this to happen soon,'' Ms. Mehendale said.

"There is a need for subsidy and other incentives for the farmers. We have sent a note to the Finance Ministry suggesting Sales Tax exemption for the product for the next three years,'' she said.

ARRESTS OF WOMEN forced into flesh trade.OPPOSED

2007-06-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/800602.cms

SC RULING ON ARRESTS OF WOMEN OPPOSED

August 3, 2004 - (Times of India) Human rights activists and city-based social organisations have come out strongly against a December 2003 supreme court (SC) ruling on procedures for arresting women.

The court set aside a Bombay high court ruling, which said that a woman constable must be present during a woman's arrest and that no woman may be arrested between sunset and sunrise.

"The new judgement will help the police and the government inflict atrocities against women, especially those from the lower strata of society," advocate Aseem Sarode told a seminar here on Friday.

Leena Mehendale, former joint secretary of the national women's commission, argued that even though the SC had relaxed the earlier rule, inspectors-general of prisons could enforce the presence of a woman constable while ar-resting women. Mehendale, however, seconded the need for ensuring that no woman suspect is taken into custody after dark.
She called for a strong campaign against the arrest of girls forced into flesh trade. "We have often seen in TV reports that it is the girls who are bundled off in police vehicles to women's homes, as if they are the criminals. This is a greater crime than a constable arresting a woman suspect."

Advocate Ujjwala Pawar called for the need for special lock-ups for women, while assistant police inspector Sushma Chavan said the SC ruling will only facilitate the timely arrest of women criminals, in situations where women constables cannot reach in time.

Noted activist Pushpa Bhave seconded the notion that women, especially from the lower strata, will get a worse treatment from the police after the apex court ruling. The activists drafted a letter of protest to the SC chief justice demanding the presence of women constables while arresting women, a halt to arrests of women after dark, separate lock-ups for women, medical check-up on arrest to be followed by further check-ups every 48 hours and stringent punishment for sexual assault in custody.

Tejashree Sevekari, who runs a voluntary agency for commercial sex workers, and advocate Vijay Hiremath also spoke on the occasion.

From: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/800602.cms

Women Industrial Gala at nasik

2007-05-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

NICE came forward to assist enterprising women and constructed a three storeyed gala project exclusively for women entrepreneurs . NICE also assisted them to get finance and for other matters in establishment of their units .

Bhoomipujan ceremony for the Women Industrial Gala Project on C-10 was done on 1st November 1994 at the hands of Smt. Bakul Patel, the then Chairperson, MSFC and in presence of Mrs. Leena Mehendale, the then Divisional Commissioner, Nashik Revenue Division. The project is managed by a cooperative society of the women gala owners registered separately as “ NICE Mahila Utkarsha Audygik Gale Prakalpa Sahakari Sanstha Ltd.”

Project at a glance:
Number of galas constructed: 75
Number of galas allotted: 75
Number of units functioning : 64
Employment generated: about 400

Energy labelling is a statement of honesty and pride

2007-05-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

PCRA seminar on energy labelling
6 Dec, 2004 l 2356 hrs ISTlTIMES NEWS NETWORK
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/948948.cms

NEW DELHI: In an endeavour to disseminate information
on the relevance and importance of energy labelling,
Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA)
organised a seminar in collaboration with ITPO recently.

Standards and labelling are very useful informations that
can be used to determine energy efficient product with the
help of "energy label" affixed on it. These labels
indicate the product’s energy performance.

"Energy labelling is a statement of honesty and pride
by the manufacturer who is willing to stand a guarantee
for the goodness and efficiency of his product," Leena Mehendale,
joint secretary & executive director, PCRA said.

Energium 2004

2007-05-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.expresstextile.com/20040708/infocus01.shtml
Express Textile

Issue dated - 8th July. 2004

Energium 2004 brings to light need and measures of energy efficiency

E-Tex Staff - Mumbai

Energium 2004, organised jointly by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and the United States - Environmental Resource Centre (US-ERC), in Mumbai recently, emphasised the need for energy efficiency, through its two-day conference, ‘Energy Efficiency in Commercial Establishments’. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Leena Mehendale, executive director, PCRA stated, “It’s not just enough to have energy efficient solutions, a change in attitude is is important, creating awareness about energy is important.”

Said Mr Suneel Parasnis, director general, United States - Asia Environmental Partnership/USAID, western region, in his address, said, “We have reached a situation where we are forced to adopt energy efficiency as a way of life and business. We have no option.”

According to Mr V S Verma, director general, Bureau of Energy Efficiency and Member Planning, Central Electricity Authority, “Per capita energy consumption in India is still very low when compared to that in the developed countries. However, the pressure to save energy is just as urgent here. While effecting savings, energy efficiency also results in better cost-competitiveness, and also reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. All these issues are becoming increasingly important in a global marketplace.”

He further stated that India has an energy shortage of around 17.1 per cent, and even as the higher energy generation of 41,000 MW in the 10th Plan will be achieved, the demand for energy is also increasing very fast, as standard of living improves. In this scenario, energy conservation and efficiency is the only way to move ahead,” he said.

According to Ms Mehendale, “There is still a lot that needs to be done towards energy conservation and efficiency. Awareness is sadly lacking. The Bureau of Indian Standards has prescribed norms for manufacturing of equipment, which have to be voluntarily applied, but we have come across a number of equipment which do not meet these standards. At times, simple adjustments in the design of equipment can lead to immense energy saving and better efficiency, but this is not done due to lack of knowledge. At other times, standards are not met as these require some amount of investment, making the product that much costlier, so energy efficiency is sacrificed for low costs. We have still a long way to go in creating awareness about energy efficiency and then getting people to adopt such systems and solutions.”

Speakers at the conference included Dr Pramod Deo, member, Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission; Mr S Padmanaban, senior energy and environment advisor, USAID; Mr A U Diggikar, director general, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency; Dr Naval Karrir, director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu; Mr E S Balasubramaniam, DGM, State Bank of India; Mr Jaisingh Dhumal, chief manager, ICICI Bank; Mr Abraham Varghese, head, energy management group, Enercon Systems; Ms Rupa Devi Singh, director, power practice, CRISIL; among others.

Dr Pramod Deo, in his paper on ‘Regulatory Issues and Energy Efficiency in Commercial Establishments’ spoke about the Electricity Act 2003 (EC 2003), which addresses the issue of improvement of energy efficiency directly for supply options, while the demand side is left to the ingenuity of the state electricity regulation commissions (SERCs). “It is well known that in order to give rightful palce to demand side management options, the regulators need to adopt Integrated Energy Resource Planning (IREP). IREP evaluates demand and supply-side options and determines the optimal energy service strategy that takes account of economic and environment factors. This brings into sharp focus the use of alternative energy supply options.”

Mr S Padmanaban, in his paper on ‘Policy and program initiatives to advance energy efficiency in commercial establishments’ spoke of the need for design of conservation strategies in commercial establishments. “There was a misconception that buildings in India did not consume much energy. However, the ground realities were different: in city after city air conditioning was beginning to grow rapidly and together with lighting, is a major contributor to peak load. Today, efficiency opportunities are being recognised by commercial builders, building appliance vendors, architects and design firms, etc.” He further stated that three key areas need to be addressed - regulations and market-driven prices, innovative financing with emphasis on risk coverage, and transforming technologies to reflect enhanced energy efficiency.

The push to adopt energy efficient solutions and systems is also coming from the financial sector, which has put in place schemes to boost investment in such ventures. The State Bank Of India (SBI) has initiated the ‘Energy Efficiency Project’. “An amount of Rs 190 lakh has been set apart for implementation of this pilot project, covering 140 units across the country. The bank will identify units enjoying credit limits which have investments in plant and machinery less than Rs 10 crore. Consultants will be empanelled at various centres and walk-in audits conducted with their help. The consultants will study all aspects of energy management, as per the bank’s standard format, prepare detailed project report on energy efficiency measures and its implementation,” said Mr E S Balasubramanian, DGM, SBI.

Other topics discussed at the summit were the latest energy saving technologies, making buildings energy efficient, ESCO approach to guaranteed energy savings, energy auditing, etc.

policy framework for carbon trading

2007-05-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Financial Times Ltd.
(From Business Line)
Our Bureau
KOLKATA, Oct. 29.

THE Centre has decided to formulate a detailed policy framework for carbon trading by domestic companies with overseas organisations or foreign Governments and prepare guidelines for carbon audit.

Ms Leena Mehendale, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and also Executive Director of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), told Business Line here on Monday that an inter-ministerial committee had been established recently to formulate the proposed carbon trading policy framework. She said the Ministry of Science and Technology had been assigned the status of a nodal agency for the proposed carbon trading policy implementation.

The committee, which is working on the policy framework, has representation from the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Industries, Science & Technology and Power. She said the team was expected to ready the policy framework within the next three months.

Administration and literature are not mutually exclusive

2007-04-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Interview: Authors by Tapan Das Gupta for Meghdutam.com
Leena Mehendale, born in Dharangaon, Maharasthra, had her schooling at Jabalpur MP, and Darbhanga, Bihar. She studied for M.Sc. Physics in Patna, and her M. Sc. Project Planing in Bradford, England. She works at two levels... she writes short stories, poems and dramas for children; she provokes the adults and nettles society by focussing attention on social issues. She is equally at home with three languages Marathi, Hindi and English and becomes a literary bridge by playing the role of translator. She also gives talks on All India Radio and is a good story teller. She is involved in social reform activities.
Leena Mehendale, is an IAS officer, presently working as Joint Secretary, National Commission for Women Govt. of India.Tapan Das Gupta had a tete-a-tete with her at her residence. Excerpts from the interview:
Tapan Das Gupta: How did you begin to write?
Leena Mehendale: I started writing during 1968-71 while at college. The stories I wrote then were mainly ghost stories and they appeared in the college magazine. During this period, I also translated an one-act play Dole (eyes) by Madhuri Bhide, from Marathi to Hindi, for AIR Patna. Dole has a very good story line and I believe its appeal is eternal.
TDG: You seem to work in diverse areas of literature.
LM: I write in four different areas.One -- social writings, I often write in magazines and dailies on women's issues, education, administrative reforms, on socio-political aspects relating to administration, agriculture, health etc. So far, I have contributed more than 300 articles in Marathi, Hindi and English to major publications.Two -- I write short stories, poems, dramas for children. I have a few books for children to my credit. The books are collections of short stories; I am also a nature lover and have written books for children on bird-watching and the flora and the fauna. My perspective is highly individualistic, say my readers. That comment cheers me a lot. Three -- I am a scientists by training and often take time to deliver lectures on scientific topics to college students and adults. My nineteen lectures on 'Atomic Physics' were broadcast over AIR. I also write on Ayurveda, Naturopathy, the holistic theory of health.Four -- I love to translate. I have translated into Marathi, and Hindi from Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, English and Bengali. Sahitya Akademi will soon be publishing my translation of the collection of poems of the famous poet Kusumagra from Marathi to Hindi. I have also translated a book titled "Democracy: Eighty Questions and Answers" from English to Marathi. This is due for publication by the National Book Trust.
TDG: Leenaji, you have a wide range of literary activities. Don't you think the scope of literary creativity is often curtailed by the limitations set by your career as an administrator?
LM: Well, Mr Gupta, I have been asked this question earlier too. It is my belief that the field of administration is not devoid of opportunities for literary creativity. There is ample scope for it. I try to add a story line on the basis of real incidents. In this connection, I can well recall my experience for the rehabilitation of devdasis (temple maids) in Kolhapur, Maharastra, or my writings on Jalgaon sex-scandals, or the sustainability question of big dams. Very recently, I wrote in 'Janasatta' (Hindi newspaper), highlighting the illogic of allowing the escape of Chota Rajan, the dreaded underworld don of Mumbai on the belief that he could be our best defense against Daud Ibrahim. I think the inherent philosophy and thinking that go into these view points are nourished and nurtured by latent creativity. I strongly believe that underlying philosophy is relevant. In face, it is the essential and permanent aspect of literature and it is not correct to regard such writing as "non- literature".
TDG: How do you approach children's literature? Do you believe that all material for children should have 'messages' to convey?
LM: Not all writings need be message-oriented. But wherever possible, I convey the message, directly or indirectly. Often I use a mix of both.
TDG: You often handle scientific topics for children. How do you combine imagination and science in your writings?
LM: I think I can best explain that by referring to two dramas for school children broadcast over Radio Pune. One play brings out the need to preserve the high mountains and greenery to catch clouds for the rains, otherwise mankind shall be doomed. In the second play, a clever teacher unfolds the magic and enchantment of mathematics to children and makes the children enjoy the subject.
TDG: Please comment on the role of translation in a pluri-lingual and multi-cultural country like ours.
LM: Translation is a major unifying force. My experience as a translator is really wonderful. In spite of the variety or plurality of Indian Languages, I found the same meter can be adopted in case of poetry. I found the same types of phrases, sentiments and allegory, conveyed in identical way in different Indian languages. If the translators keep these things in mind, the translated works will surely be novelty for the readers. I would like to highlight one incident in which I was also associated. This came about like this. My son Aditya translated a story from Std 1, Balbharti for the displaced tribal children of the Narmada Valley who belonged to the Bhil-Pawri community. Bhil-Pawri is their mother tongue. They were resettled in a village Somawel and their children were encouraged to attend school but the medium of teaching was Marathi. The children, for obvious reasons felt that they were not coping with the dual task of learning Marathi and also acquiring the skills to read and write the language too. Aditya translated the Balbharti story in Bhil-Pawri language with the help of two Bhil-Pawri students of that school -- Kirta Lalji Basawe and Dilip Thoga Padwi. Later we got the text printed as a book and included in it the alphabets with Bhil Pawri words which Aditya had collected. The copies of the book were distributed to all children of that village and they still enjoy reading it. This was the famous story of the donkey and his burden. The entire book was written using Devnagri script but Bhil- Pawri language. See how one language is integrated to the students with different mother tongue. Here lies the beauty of translated works.
TDG: What are your suggestions for budding writers, especially writers for children?
LM: Children's literature should be closer to the children's point of view. There should be elements of humor, drama, surprise that capture the child's attention. The writing should be socially relevant too.
TDG: Do you think internet is weakening reading habits among children?
LM: No, but internet can become an alternative to reading. I feel internet should be made available in regional languages, specially in a multi-cultural country like ours.
TDG: Meghdutam organized an online poll on the best authors of the century. Sarat Chandra Chatterjee topped the poll, followed by Bhagwan S. Gidwani and R K Narayan. What is your choice for India's novelist of the twentieth century?
LM: I dare not name only one single author. There are several authors like Sarat Chandra Chatterjee, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Amrita Pritam. There are a few authors in Marathi literature like G. N. Dandekar, G.A Kulkarni, Durgabai Bhagwat and P. L. Deshpande. I can name one from Gujarati literature -- Gulab Das Broker. Besides there are authors like Prem Chand, Sankrityayan, Adyeya, Phaneeshwar Nath Renu or the anti-establishment writers like Maheshwata Devi. Of the Indians writing in English, Ilike Vikram Seth. I would name 'The Last Pass' of Prasher which is also an impressive anti-establishment writing and work of Anita Agnihotri, or Laxmi Kannan among the recent writers. Together they reflect the variety that India is, the message of unity in diversity.
TDG: What are your plans for the future?
LM: Let me see. I have no particular plan as such but there are possibilities. I don't know how far I will be able to fulfill them. I am preparing a book on star watching -- a guide to the layman who wants to study the sky and the stars at random without telescope. A book on atomic Physics targeting students as support study which will also interest the common man is something that I want to work on. I am preparing a book on dams for the teenagers. I am also planning to write on sericulture and women's issues.
TDG: Bubbling with plans. May they come true.
LM: Too many things to work on! Well, that gives meaning to life.
TDG: Let all your dreams come true.
LM: Thanks. Such good wishes help to keep up the spirit.
TGD: You are welcome to write for Meghdutam.
LM: Great. I would enjoy it.

Policy framework for carbon trading on anvil

2007-04-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Business Line
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2002
http://www.blonnet.com/bline/2002/10/30/stories/2002103002280600.htm

Policy framework for carbon trading on anvil
Financial Times Ltd.
(From Business Line)
Our Bureau
KOLKATA, Oct. 29.

THE Centre has decided to formulate a detailed policy framework for carbon trading by domestic companies with overseas organisations or foreign Governments and prepare guidelines for carbon audit.
Ms Leena Mehendale, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and also Executive Director of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), told Business Line here on Monday that an inter-ministerial committee had been established recently to formulate the proposed carbon trading policy framework. She said the Ministry of Science and Technology had been assigned the status of a nodal agency for the proposed carbon trading policy implementation.
The committee, which is working on the policy framework, has representation from the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Industries, Science & Technology and Power. She said the team was expected to ready the policy framework within the next three months.
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Welcome Address by Ms Leena Mehendale OCF 2003

2007-04-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

Winrock International India newsletter
Burn Calories, Not Fossil Fuel

As one entered the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on 15th January 2003, what certainly left you numb was the echoes of over 3,000 school students shouting slogans of oil conservation in unison.
The Oil Conservation Fortnight (OCF), an annual event of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) was inaugurated on 15 January 2003 in various cities all over the country. In Delhi, the event was kicked off by a Welcome Address by Ms Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRA, who reinforced the importance and effectiveness of PCRA’s role in promoting oil conservation in the country, since its inception in the year 1976.
Dr Sahib Singh Verma, Hon. Union Minister of Labor, GOI, inaugurated the event and with a beaming smile emphasized the importance of each individual’s efforts in (howsoever minute) promoting oil conservation. He also stated that "Over two-thirds of our petroleum requirement is imported; this amounts to over Rs 70,000 crores, which we have to pay in foreign currency. As a suggestion, if we can save a tenth of this amount, that is Rs 7,000 crores, then we can provide all the necessary amenities such as electricity, water, education, etc. in several villages across India."
This was followed by a unique expression of unity and solidarity as over one thousand students joined hands with each other and led by Dr Verma, formed a Human Chain enveloping the entire stadium. The officials of PCRA, MPNG and other petroleum companies like Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, IBP and Bharat Petroleum were also roped into the chain, leaving smiles on everyone’s faces.
The Honorable Minister was then ushered outside the Stadium where he flagged off the PCRA Publicity Van. This is a well-equipped Van, which will travel in and around the vicinity of Delhi spreading the message of oil conservation during the fortnight.
The Inaugural event of PCRA’s OCF ended with lip-smacking snacks for the children and the various officials and guests present. Indeed a day to remember!
Similar activities were undertaken in various cities all over India. PCRA conducted various activities from January 15-31, 2003. These involved students from various schools in quizzes, debates, essay competitions, street-plays, and painting competitions. The launch of the Publicity Van and the installation of banners to arouse the interest of children and the youth on the subject were also some key activities.
For more information on PCRA, look up http://www.pcra.org
PCRA initiated the ‘Oil Conservation Week’ in 1991, which has now grown to the ‘Oil Conservation Fortnight’ since 1997.

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awareness on energy conservation

2007-04-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

ISSN 0972-3102, December 2003, Vol 4, Issue 3 winrockindia.org
INTERVIEW
"PCRA has generated sufficient awareness on energy conservation"
Interview with Leena Mehendale, Executive Director, PCRA
What is the current scenario regarding energy conservation in the country? How has the scenario changed over the past few years? Over the last four to five years, and especially in the last two years, the demand for petroleum products has increased tremendously. The question is now of supply. Our domestic finds of crude oil have not increased, and we are importing a lot of crude oil, and then we are refining that imported crude. So, the refining capacity has increased. Therefore, today we are in a position to meet whatever be the demand. In a way you can say that there is no supply shortage of petroleum products. But, for importing we have to spend foreign currency. So, the whole scenario in the petroleum sector is that we have good amount of foreign exchange, we have good amount of crude in hand, and a range of petroleum products. Of course, the demand will also rise in the coming years. And, as the demand rises, we will be in a position to meet the demand. In this scenario, there is a lot of importance of oil conservation. The importance comes under three factors. One, since conservation is linked to efficiency and efficient energy utilisation, it leads to economic development. Two, it is most important for maintaining global competitiveness. And three, conservation of oil is also very important for environmental considerations. So that is where conservation stands today.
How successful has PCRA been on the energy conservation front? PCRA has been able to generate a sufficient amount of awareness on energy conservation, especially when we regularly conduct ‘oil conservation fortnight’ events. For the last five to six years, we have maintained the tradition of conducting a survey before and after the event. The survey reports strongly indicate that whenever we have the oil conservation fortnight, the awareness levels for the need of conservation goes up. But usually such surveys are restricted to a very small period of 15 days. So this time around, we are going for a survey, which will give us a total assessment of the amount of awareness created throughout the year. Definitely, we find that there is awareness created, especially due to the two new programmes that PCRA has launched. One on the AIR FM channel, and the other on the national Doordarshan channel. We find that every week there are about 300-400 people who are writing to us and giving some kind of feedback. This means that at least these many people are listening to the programmes and listening to our messages and they are getting sensitised on the subject of energy conservation. Again, what happens is that such impacts take place in steps. The first stage is that people should listen to our messages. The second stage is when they understand the message that we are trying to communicate, and understand the bigger issues involved. The third is when they like the particular concept or issue involved and its importance.
What steps is PCRA taking on the consumption and production side? On the consumption side, we are conducting training programmes in the typical sectors such as transport, agriculture, domestic, and commercial. On the producer side, wherever there are manufacturers, we try and interact with them and tell them the need to promote energy conservation. Definitely, PCRA is also trying to get into meetings and dialogue with various associations of manufacturers and other stakeholders in order to discuss energy conservation aspects with them. In that sense, PCRA and BIS are the agencies, which are playing the role that is complementary to each other. Often, we all work together.
What are PCRA’s activities in the R&D area?Ideas are generated within PCRA. All the departmental heads sit together and think it over and our minds are attuned to this direction 24 hrs a day. One example which I can give is when we travel on the highways, somewhere we pay a toll tax. Say, when I travel from Delhi to Mathura, I will pay Rs 35 while going as well as coming back. Now it struck us why we should pay this amount while going and coming and experience undue stopping both the time. Instead, we should pay at one place and make the roads freer (as about 99 per cent go and come back unless someone is shifting base). So if we charge the entire amount in one go, it can be charged at one place. This will save a lot of fuel, and also save the government a lot of capital cost. So, such ideas are first generated. Many times we also call meetings of sector experts. Recently, we called a road transport committee meeting where we also called the transport commissioner, people from research institutes, CRRI, and even DTC, to get ideas about conservation opportunities, in addition to sharing their experiences. We have a screening committee for screening R&D project proposals. This is fairly well-represented, with members from IIP, EIL, BPCL, IOC (R&D), LERC, TERI, DST, and our own people.

Fuel saving to be part of school college syllabi

2007-04-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.puneeducation.net/local/archives.htm

EDUCATIONAL NEWS
20.03.2003
Fuel saving to be part of school, college syllabi
Pune: What is a fuel? What is energy? What are the current reserves of exhaustible energy? What is the need for fuel conservation... These are just some of the issues that secondary school students as well as graduates, irrespective of their disciplines (art, science or commerce), will soon be addressing in their classrooms. For, under a central government initiative, a course in energy conservation is being designed for ninth standard and second-year bachelors' degree students.
Given the rising oil prices in the global market and the declining oil reserves, the best alternative is to educate youngsters in the judicious use of all energy sources," explained, Leena Mehendale, as joint secretary and executive director of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA),which comes under the ministry of petroleum and natural gas.The initial directive to this effect came from the human resources development ministry, said Mehendale, a Maharashtra civil servant, on deputation to the ministry.
While a committee, comprising Sujata Phadke from the SNDT university; L. Chandrashekaran, manager, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd; agricultural scientist Rajesh Urkude; and A. Kaushik from PCRA, are working on the syllabus, a workshop will be held in April for course writers. "The idea is to invite maximum participation from all corners of the country," said Mehendale, who is on a visit to the city.
The PCRA has also decided to involve school students from across the country to conduct surveys, mostly in rural areas, on energy usage and conservation -- both in agriculture and domestic purposes.

Women take up fuel conservation cause

2007-04-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Women take up fuel conservation cause

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/11/stories/2003021106750400.htm
The Hindu
Online edition of India's National NewspaperTuesday, Feb 11, 2003
By Our Staff Reporter
NEW DELHI FEB. 10. Over 500 women on bicycles, mopeds, motorbikes and scooters participated in the first Save Oil Two-Wheeler Women Rally organised by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) here on February 8. The event, which was part of the Oil Conservation Fortnight 2003, seeks to combine the message of Oil Conservation with that of Women's Empowerment.
Held under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the rally sought to impress that "women have moved out from the stereotype `ghar ki bahu' and have established their own identity.''
The Executive Director of PCRA, Leena Mehendale, said in view of the women's rise, her organisation, which is basically into conservation, decided to associate itself with the cause of "women's empowerment'' as well.
The rally, that was flagged off by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ram Naik, who flagged it off at Talkatora Indoor Stadium. During the nearly one-hour duration, the motorised two-wheeelers covered a distance of 9 km through Park Street, Shankar Road, Upper Ridge Road, Simon Bolivar Marg, SP Marg and Willingdon Crescent before returning to Talkatora Stadium. The cyclists covered 2 km through Park Street and Shankar Road before returning to the venue.
The winners of the rally received an LML Freedom DX bike as a mega prize and an automatic washing machine, microwave and oven-toaster-griller as first, second and third prizes.

Energy Audit in KSRTC

2007-04-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

'KSRTC fleet among largest fuel guzzlers'

Our Bureau
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Nov. 19

Business Line
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publicationsWednesday, Nov 20, 2002

A FIELD study carried out by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) has revealed that the fleet maintained by the public sector Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) returned an average mileage of 3.9 km per litre of fuel compared to the all-India average of 4.48 km.Presenting results of the study at a national seminar on `Energy conservation in the transport sector', Mr C. Jayaraman, State Co-ordinator of the PCRA, said that fleet utilisation in KSRTC during 2000-2001 has been found to be 78.2 per cent compared to 93.7 per cent and 99 per cent returned by its counterpart organisations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
The comparable occupancy figures were 4.53 per cent for KSRTC, 69.9 per cent for Karnataka and 61.34 per cent for Andhra Pradesh.
Further, the employee/bus ratio in KSRTC was also on the higher side - 7.8 compared to 6.1 in Karnataka and 7.15 in Andhra Pradesh.
Presenting another paper on energy conservation strategy in the transport sector, Mr T. Elangovan, Director, National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac), suggested intensive promotion of the public transport system as against personalised transport which have been found to relatively consume much higher levels of energy.
Paved footpaths and cycle tracks should be provided along major roads for use by conventional modes of transport such as bicycles.
Other strategies mooted include implementation of one-way regulations, wider use of signages, enforcement of parking restrictions and traffic management measures for ensuring a freer flow of traffic.
Similarly, road surfaces could be improved and busy commercial streets declared vehicle-free zones to save on fuel.
Developing a multi-modal approach for mass transport system was also another practicable suggestion for implementation, he said.
In her paper on `Potential of inland water transportation and energy conservation', Ms B.G. Sreedevi, Head, Engineering Division, Natpac, has advocated the shifting of a section of cargo from the road to inland water sector by utilising the potential of the existing waterways.
Concerted effort from all concerned would be required to ensure increased efficiency in the sector by enabling it to overcome systematic drawbacks such as comparatively low speeds.
Ms Leena Mehendale, Executive Director of PCRA, said that the association would extend training to drivers on energy conservation in the future.
PCRA will extend all assistance to bring out energy conservation literature in all regional languages.
Earlier, inaugurating the seminar, the State Electricity Minister, Mr Kadavoor Sivadasan, said that a conscious decision to reduce transmission loss and larger recourse to compact fluorescent lamps would lead to significant savings in electricity consumption.
The national seminar was organised jointly by the Energy Conservation Society in association with PCRA, the Energy Management Centre (EMC), Natpac, KMML, the State Committee for Science, Technology and Environment (STEC) and the Kerala Government.

Women's meet on family, property rights, police custody, arrest, crimes, government schemes and health

2007-04-22T02:07:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, March 23, 1999

In Brief -- Pune
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE
Women's meet

Stree Adhar Kendra from Pune will hold its sixth ``Women's empowerment conference'' at Phaltan in Satara district on March 27. It has been organised to guide women on various issues including women's family and property rights, provisions related to police custody, arrest and various crimes, government schemes and health. The speakers will include Kranti Raymane from Aurangabad, Ujwal Nirgudkar and Manoj Deshpande from Pune. The inaugural ceremony will be attended by Leena Mehendale,Jt. secretary of National Women's Commission, Arun Khore, resident editor of Lokmat (Solapur). Dr Neelam Gorhe, president of Stree Adhar Kendra, will preside.

OCF 2003 celebrated

2007-04-22T01:55:00.000-07:00

15th January, 2003

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
25 PER CENT OIL CONSERVATION TO SAVE RS. 25,000 CRORE FOR THE COUNTRY

DR VERMA UNION LABOUR MINISTER LAUNCHES OCF 2003

Union Labour Minister, Dr. Sahib Singh Verma has made a fervent call for efficient utilisation of petroleum products in the country. Launching the fortnight-long special and concerted campaign to spread the message of conserving oil at national level here today, Dr. Verma informed that conservation of 25 per cent of petroleum products would result in a saving of about Rs. 25,000 crore which can be better utilised for developing infrastructure, providing education, health care, drinking water and irrigation facilities and development of roads and highways in the country, etc. The Oil Conservation Fortnight 2003 (OCF 2003) is being observed all over the country during January 15-31 period by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) in association with oil industry. This period would be utilised to undertake an intensive multi-sectoral awareness campaign to bring home the message of oil conservation.
Dr. Verma called upon the children who had assembled in the morning to impress upon their parents, friends, etc., for adopting habits conducive to optimum utilisation of the Hydrocarbon Resources which has limited availability but are crucial in the day-to-day life as well as for sustainability of economy and society. He also emphasised the importance of conserving oil in view of the country's heavy import dependence which is evident from Rs. 78,000 crore oil import bill last year.
Shri M.S. Srinivasan, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Vice Chairman PCRA also reiterated the need for oil conservation which also result in environmental protection. He pointed out that the economy moves on energy and since the country is not self-sufficient in it, it is imperative that oil conservation remains a high priority. He informed that in addition to the holding of Rallies of Children this year's Conservation Fortnight is remarkable as "Save Oil Two-Wheeler Women's Rally 2003" has been organised, as by educating a women one can educate the entire family. Additional Secretary also flagged off the Publicity Van which carry the audio-visual Messages on conservation to people living in far-off and remote areas. Ms. Leena Mehendale, ED PCRA also spoke about the importance of oil conservation and said that conservation of crucial and scarce resources like oil is a bounden duty of every Indian.
During the inaugural function of OCF 2003, about 3000 school children and their teachers and others braved cold weather to take the solemn pledge for conservation of oil so that it lasts longer for the benefit of the country and avoid its unproductive and wasteful utilisation. The fortnight long special campaign aimed at reinforcing the message of the need for most efficient utilisation of hydrocarbon resources which is conveyed through the year by organising various programmes and events. Simultaneously, such campaigns are being held all over the country. This fortnight is utilised for intensifying the different campaigns for spreading awareness, educating the sectors like industry, transport, agriculture and the households to imbibe and adopt methods and techniques which give them maximum result by using minimum of energy.
PCRA was set up by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in 1978 to promote optimum utilisation of hydrocarbons through spreading awareness amongst masses about importance, methods and benefits of conservation of petroleum products. Through multi-directional approach, it promotes R & D in new technologies, equipment, appliances, additives, etc., including fuel substitution and promoting renewable energy sources. PCRA focusses on sectors like domestic, industry, transport and agriculture as they are bulk users of oil. It has completed R &D projects including development of Diya, Lantern, Nutan Stove, LPG Stove, offset burner, kerosene vapour recovery in textile industry, furnace redesign for steel rolling mills, lube and grease dispensing equipment etc. For effective communication to the target groups in semi-urban and rural areas, messages are made in regional languages.

Include in-laws in the definition of "family"

2007-04-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99dec14/nation.htm#4

Tuesday, December 14, 1999

NCW for change in service rules
Tribune News Service
NEW DELHI, Dec 13 — The National Commission for Women has recommended that parents and in-laws of government employees be included in the definition of "family" in the service rules. Taking suo motu cognisance of the service rules, the NCW has made several recommendations to the Department of Women and Child Development. These include widening the definition of "family" to include parents and in-law of government employees and changing rules regarding house building advance, home travel concession and transfer travel allowance. Under the present rules, old dependent parents are included in the definition of family members for the benefits assured by leave travel concession, Central Government health service and transfer travel allowance. Sources in the commission said once the definition was revised according to the recommendations, dependent in-laws will also be able to avail of benefits such as medical re-imbursement and transfer allowance. Ms Leena Mehendale, Joint Secretary, NCW told TNS that such an amendment would serve to support senior citizens. Ms Mehendale said the commission felt that the rules seemed to be biased against working women. The commission had urged the department to take up the matter with the authorities concerned to create a gender-friendly environment for working male and female employees. The NCW had recommended that when both husband and wife are government employees, house building allowance should be admissible to both according to the merit of their independent cases. The commission had also recommended that both husband and wife should be entitled to house rent allowance and suggested that both husband and wife as government employees be allowed to avail of the HTC simultaneously and separately for every block year.

gender sensitisation for Delhi Police

2007-04-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.tribuneindia.com/1998/98oct11/nation.htm#5

Sunday, October 11, 1998

Sensitising Delhi cops

From Tripti Nath

Tribune News Service

NEW DELHI, Oct.10 — The National Commission for Women will conduct a gender sensitisation programme for senior officers of the Delhi Police in mid-November.
The programme is inspired by the success of a similar week-long workshop conducted by the Commission in Bihar in August-end.
Ms Leena Mehendale, Joint Secretary in the NCW told The Tribune News Service that the commission has asked the Delhi Police to shortlist senior officers to attend the workshop.
She said that although theoretically, gender sensitisation entails sensitisation of both men and women, the workshop would focus on sensitising male police officers towards women victims.
She said that the Member Secretary of the commission, Mrs Binoo Sen and other members would address the senior police officers during the programme.
Commenting on the conduct of an average Indian policeman, Ms Mehendale said that policemen are very rude to women while writing their First Information Report (FIR) or listening to their complaints.
Ms Mehendale said that the police needs to change its attitude towards women. Citing an instance, she said that two constables of the Nagpur Police convicted for raping a woman complainant in the police station took the hackneyed and convenient plea that the woman was of a loose character.
Mr Sewa Dass, Additional Commissioner of Police, (Crime Against Women) said that the programme would benefit more than 60 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), about 150 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and a few inspectors. He said that the week-long workshop would also be open to Station House Officers (SHOs). Each unit of the Delhi Police would be asked to depute one or two officers to attend the workshop.
Ms Kiran Bedi, Joint Commissioner, Police (Training) who was entrusted charge of the Police Training College, Jharoda Kalan in June-end said, “Anything which makes police people sensitive and makes a particular social issue better understood would improve performance. Such issues fall in the realm of social policing”.
“Ms Bedi said that courses on gender sensitisation are equally necessary for women”.