Manohar Lal Khattar, Union Minister for Energy, Housing and Urban Development, has called for a people-driven movement to accelerate energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption across India. Emphasising that climate action cannot succeed without active public participation, the Minister urged States to intensify climate mitigation efforts through coordinated action involving governments, industries, institutions, and citizens.
The call comes amid significant progress in India’s clean energy journey, with large-scale energy savings and emissions reductions already achieved through efficiency-led initiatives.
Energy Savings and Climate Impact
Highlighting India’s recent achievements, the Union Minister said that during 2023–24, the country achieved 53.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE) in energy savings. This included approximately 321 billion units of electricity savings, translating into nearly ₹2 lakh crore in annual monetary savings.
These efficiency gains have also resulted in a reduction of around 321 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, providing a substantial boost to India’s climate mitigation efforts. According to the Minister, such outcomes will play a critical role in accelerating the country’s clean energy transition and supporting the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Andhra Pradesh’s Role in Clean Energy Progress
The Union Minister appreciated the progress made by several States, with special mention of Andhra Pradesh for its efforts in advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. He congratulated N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, for signing multiple memorandums of understanding with central agencies to promote technology-driven sustainability.
These initiatives include collaborations with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power, focusing on urban LED street lighting, MSME strengthening, eco-friendly tourism, and deployment of advanced energy-efficient technologies.
Technology-Driven Sustainability Initiatives
The Minister highlighted a range of initiatives being implemented in the State, including geothermal energy technologies capable of saving 50–70 percent power, energy-efficient induction stoves for Anganwadis, and the Urjaveer campaign promoting BEE star-rated appliances.
Efforts are also underway to facilitate access to star-rated products for beneficiaries under the PMAY housing scheme, reinforcing the role of energy efficiency in improving household affordability and sustainability. According to the Minister, these programmes demonstrate Andhra Pradesh’s strong commitment to innovation-led climate action.
Mission LiFE and Behavioural Change
Stressing the urgency posed by rising greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and environmental degradation, the Union Minister underscored the importance of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a flagship global initiative launched by Narendra Modi.
Mission LiFE seeks to move away from the traditional “use-and-dispose” model toward a circular economy based on mindful consumption and responsible lifestyle choices. The initiative encourages simple yet impactful actions such as switching to LED lighting, using public transport, cycling and carpooling, adopting electric and CNG vehicles, expanding renewable energy use, conserving water, reducing waste, and choosing energy-efficient appliances.
Economic and Social Benefits
The Minister noted that collective adoption of energy-efficient and sustainable practices delivers benefits beyond emissions reduction. These actions help improve public health, lower healthcare costs, strengthen economic resilience, and generate green employment across sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, energy efficiency services, and eco-tourism.
Such outcomes, he said, underline why climate action must evolve into a mass movement driven by citizens alongside policy and industry participation.
Strengthening Institutional and Global Engagement
On behalf of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a comprehensive report outlining best practices and communication strategies adopted by various States was submitted to the Union Minister.
He also emphasised the need to organise State-level, national, and global Mission LiFE summits in collaboration with BEE and other government bodies. According to the Minister, such platforms would enhance India’s global leadership in sustainability, attract investments, and stimulate local economic activity.
Quoting the guiding philosophy of Mission LiFE, he said, “Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita — Nature protects those who protect it.”
Why This Development Matters
The Union Minister’s call reinforces the idea that energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption are not solely policy-driven efforts, but require widespread behavioural change. A people-led movement can significantly accelerate India’s progress toward climate goals while delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits.
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