As you step into our Bengaluru Tech Summit, take a moment to visit the Indian Forest Installation. A life-sized depiction of an elephant amid the lush greenery invites you to immerse yourself in the ecological marvels of the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage site that is as much a treasure trove of biodiversity as it is a keystone of sustainability.
A Sanctuary for Giants
The Western Ghats, stretching along the western coast of India, is home to 25% of India’s elephant population. These gentle giants symbolize the delicate balance of forest ecosystems. Elephants are not just wanderers of the forest; they are ecosystem engineers. By creating pathways through dense undergrowth, dispersing seeds, and replenishing nutrients in the soil, they play a critical role in maintaining the health of forests that, in turn, sustain life far beyond their boundaries.
The Roar of Preservation
Sharing this pristine wilderness are the majestic tigers, India’s national animal and a global emblem of conservation. The Western Ghats house 20% of India’s tiger population, making it a critical stronghold for the species. Tigers, as apex predators, indicate the health of their habitats, and their presence underscores the need for coordinated conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of these fragile ecosystems.
The Tech-Biodiversity Nexus
What does this have to do with a tech summit? The answer lies in the convergence of innovation and conservation. Advanced technologies—ranging from AI-enabled wildlife tracking to remote sensing for deforestation alerts—are paving the way for smarter, data-driven approaches to biodiversity preservation. Events like this provide a platform to connect technologists, policymakers, and conservationists to innovate for the planet's future.
Western Ghats in Numbers
7,402 species of plants, animals, birds, and fish are found here, many of which are endemic to the region.
The forests act as a water tower, supplying water to millions in peninsular India.
40% of the Indian population depends on the ecosystem services provided by the Western Ghats.
A Call to Action
The forest installation at the summit is more than an exhibit; it’s a reminder. The survival of these ecosystems—and their iconic species—depends on our collective action. By promoting sustainable development, embracing clean energy, and supporting innovative conservation efforts, we can ensure that the Western Ghats continue to thrive as a haven for wildlife and a lifeline for millions.
As you engage in the tech summit’s discussions on innovation and progress, let the gentle presence of the elephant and the imagined echo of the tiger’s roar remind you of what’s at stake: a world where technology and nature coexist in harmony.
World’s largest solar farm, Pavagada Solar Park in Tumakuru spans 13,000 acres and generates 2,050 MW.
The Pavagada Solar Park, located in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, is a shining example of India's progress in renewable energy. Spanning 13,000 acres, it is one of the world's largest solar parks, with an installed capacity of 2,050 MW. This impressive project plays a significant role in India's transition to sustainable energy and is an integral part of the country's mission to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Capacity: The solar park generates enough electricity to power around 1.5 million households, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Employment and Development: The project has created jobs for over 4,000 skilled and unskilled workers, supporting local communities. It also provides landowners in the area with annual lease payments of ₹21,000 per acre, benefiting more than 2,300 farmers and mitigating agrarian distress.
Cost Competitiveness: The park showcases how rapidly falling solar tariffs are driving cost-effective renewable energy solutions. In 2018, tariffs dropped to as low as ₹2.91 per kWh, making solar power one of India's cheapest electricity sources.
Environmental Impact: By avoiding fossil fuels, the park reduces annual carbon emissions by an estimated 1.4 million metric tons.
Pavagada's success has been attributed to innovative policy frameworks, government subsidies, and collaboration between state agencies like the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) and private developers. It sets a benchmark for future renewable energy projects globally, showing how large-scale solar parks can simultaneously promote sustainable energy, community welfare, and economic growth.
For visitors and delegates, Pavagada is a testament to how ambitious renewable energy projects can transform lives while addressing climate change challenges. Its scale and impact underline the potential of clean energy solutions for a sustainable future.
Karnataka is the first Indian state to establish an EV policy, aiming for 100% electric mobility in public transportation by 2030.
Karnataka is a pioneer in India's electric vehicle (EV) sector, being the first state to adopt a comprehensive EV policy in 2017. The state's vision is to achieve 100% electric mobility in public transportation by 2030, with a phased transition for other vehicle categories. Key highlights of Karnataka's EV policy include:
Tax Exemptions: Complete road and registration tax exemptions for electric transport and non-transport vehicles.
Incentives for Charging Infrastructure:
A 25% capital subsidy (up to ₹10,00,000) for the first 100 fast charging stations.
Subsidized government land leases for EV charging and battery-swapping stations.
Renewable Energy Integration: Encouragement to use solar and renewable energy for EV charging, supported by zero wheeling charges and low connection costs.
Battery Innovations:
Investment subsidies for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries and modular designs.
Support for retrofitting auto rickshaws into electric vehicles.
R&D and Skill Development:
Establishment of the Karnataka Electric Mobility Research & Innovation Center.
Collaboration with academic institutions for battery innovations and EV-focused training programs
For the Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS), this commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of EVs for shared transportation to minimize carbon emissions. By integrating EVs into event logistics, BTS 2024 showcases Karnataka's leadership in sustainable practices while reducing its ecological footprint.
Additionally, delegates near the forest installation at BTS can learn about these initiatives in a tangible, impactful way, aligned with the state's broader vision of electrification and environmental stewardship.
References:
Western Ghats India. (n.d.). The impressive biodiversity of the Western Ghats and hotspots. Retrieved November 20, 2024, from https://westernghatsindia.org
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL). (n.d.). Pavagada Solar Park: Karnataka's flagship renewable energy project. Retrieved from http://kredl.karnataka.gov.in
Press Information Bureau. (2018). India’s largest solar power park at Pavagada in Karnataka was inaugurated. Government of India. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2021). Renewable energy statistics and case studies. Retrieved from https://www.irena.org
Economic Times. (2019). Pavagada Solar Park: Transforming Karnataka's renewable energy landscape. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com
Government of Karnataka. (2017). Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage Policy - 2017. Department of Industries and Commerce, Karnataka. Retrieved from https://investkarnataka.co.in/
Press Trust of India. (2020, August 11). Karnataka aims for 100% EVs in public transport by 2030. Economic Times Auto. Retrieved from https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/
Karnataka State Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL). (n.d.). Policy support for electric vehicles. Retrieved from http://kredl.karnataka.gov.in/
Shinde, P. (2021, April 14). Karnataka boasts electric mobility initiatives with EV-specific incentives. Down to Earth. Retrieved from https://www.downtoearth.org.in/
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