A consultation meeting was held today in Khagrachhari to raise public awareness and participation in renewable energy, particularly rooftop solar power. The meeting brought together local elected representatives, community leaders, media personnel, representatives of social and cultural organizations, and members of the general public, who shared their views and suggestions.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Arun Kanti Chakma, President of Forum on Ecology and Development (FED), Khagrachhari. Guests of Honor included Mr. Nitol Moni Chakma and Ms. Joya Tripura, respected members of the Khagrachhari Hill District Council.
The main objective of the consultation was to highlight the necessity, potential, and benefits of rooftop solar energy through direct dialogue with local stakeholders, and to inform participants about employment opportunities that could be created through rooftop solar installations. Discussions emphasized addressing the energy crisis, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and moving towards an environmentally friendly and sustainable energy system.
Participants shared local challenges, opportunities, and community expectations regarding rooftop solar implementation. Social and cultural leaders expressed their commitment to raising awareness and motivating communities to adopt rooftop solar solutions.
Mr. Mathura Bikash Tripura, Executive Director of Zabarang Kalyan Samity, stated that popularizing rooftop solar in households could create thousands of jobs nationwide and generate a large market for solar panels and related equipment, reducing dependence on energy imports. He added that installing 100,000 solar panels could directly and indirectly create nearly 100,000 employment opportunities.
Mr. Arun Kanti Chakma highlighted that rooftop solar would not only meet electricity demand but also generate income through net metering.
The meeting agreed to incorporate the opinions and recommendations of elected representatives into future advocacy initiatives. Participants also proposed organizing an educational visit to the Kaptai Solar Park. The concept note was presented by Ms. Namita Chakma, member of FED Khagrachhari. The session was moderated by journalist Mr. Nuruchchafa Manik, with remarks from several journalists, engineers, educators, and civil society representatives.
The guest of honor Ms. Joya Tripura said that the power sector is an essential part of our daily lives. She called for extensive awareness and publicity so that people from all segments of society can become informed about renewable energy.
Another guest of honor Mr. Nitol Moni Chakma said that installing solar panels should be made mandatory at the time of approving building construction. He also urged that various government institutions, schools, hospitals, and other facilities be brought under the coverage of renewable energy. He further called for organizing consultation meetings with district-level government officials on this issue.
The speakers included Ms. Ekhyn Chowdhury, General Secretary of FED Paribesh o Unnayan Forum, Khagrachhari; Mr. Kanan Acharya, Vice President of the Khagrachhari Journalists’ Union; Engineer Nitu Prasad Chakma; journalist Mr. Biplob Talukdar; Ms. Lalasa Chakma, Executive Director of Kabidang; Mr. Binodon Tripura, Program Director of Zabarang Kalyan Samity; and eminent educationist Mr. Aryamitra Chakma, among others.
The organizers expressed hope that continued community-based initiatives would accelerate the transition toward clean, affordable, and sustainable energy.