Chennai:

In a bid to generate awareness about biogas in rural areas, a documentary film, ‘Energy Independence’ was released here on Wednesday.

The initiative, undertaken by department of nongovernmental organisation (NGO) management, Madras School of Social Work (MSSW) and NSS Empanelled Training Institute, was to promote awareness on sustainable energy in rural areas.

The 18-minute documentary, which was screened after an inaugural ceremony by Dr S Krishnaswamy, founder and managing director of Krishnaswamy Associates, was aimed at promoting biogas in villages, said D K Harish, a student of MSSW who directed the documentary.

The film was shot at Alathur village in Tiruvanmiyur and Marakanam village.

He said biogas in the villages had created energy independence.

“Earlier, the villages used steel-based system to generate gas, which was a costlier experience. Now, with emerging technology, they are using a fibre reinforced plant, which doesn’t require maintenance, said director of corporate social responsibility of Orchid Chemicals, C Mani.

Mani added that biogas was not successful previously because the government’s focus was on liquefied petroleum gas, which was not sustainable in the long run. He said demand for biogas is increasing now as it is cheaper. “Even many buildings in Chennai are opting for biogas in their complexes,” he said.

Fatima Vasanth, principal and secretary of Madras School of Social Work, said that biogas is an alternative energy and students in collaboration with NSS will spread awareness in villages by holding special camps.

source: http://www.ibnlive.in.com / South> Chennai / The New Indian Express, Express News Service / March 22nd, 2012