BANGALORE: Launched in 2006 at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore and touted by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) as a hotspot for information on renewable energy sources, the city’s energy park has been lying in a shambles for quite some time now.
This is in contrast to the immense interest which is being generated amongst the public for renewable energy sources.
“I came here to see what kind of new technology can be implemented for my new house in terms of Solar power, but there is just one vendor here,” said Manjunath, a disappointed visitor.
Indeed, the park had only one vendor who was displaying products under the small tin shed provided for the purpose.
In December, Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje, had promised a permanent solution for renewable energy companies to display their products but no action has been taken yet.
Rajashekar, an exhibitor, Urja Solutions, present at the park said that public were not well informed about the park. “This is a good initiative by the government but not many people know about it. This is a solution-based field which is very different from just shopping for products. People have to become aware of this,” he said.
However, if sources from KREDL are to be believed, things might soon look up for the half-abandoned Park, as KREDL plan to launch an advertising campaign soon. “We are confident of attracting at least 2,000 visitors over the weekends after the advertising and marketing campaign is launched, besides three more sheds will come up soon,” said a KREDL official.
The current state of the park however leaves much to be desired. The innovative machines installed to create awareness on renewable energy wear a dilapidated look. The swimming pool is filled with dirty water and leaves. The energy cycle podium which shows the conversion of mechanical energy into electricity is being used as a stand to rest the board announcing the Energy Park.