Going as much green as possible through reduction in Carbon Emission has become need of the hour for industries, institutions and common people not because it is in fashion, but because its ignorance is destined to lead humanity to disaster. This is why when the largest public telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam limited (BSNl) thought of going green, it decided to reduce Carbon Emission through every possible ways. BSNl CGM (Jharkhand Telecom Circle) KK Thakur in conversation with The Pioneer shared about how the initiative started and what is the goal. Excerpts:
What is the Go Green initiative and what are its benefits for a common BSNl consumerIJ
The idea of Go Green is very simple: to reduce Carbon Emission, excess of which is becoming disastrous for human health and entire environment. We decided to reduce Carbon Emission through various ways. The idea was floated by us last month during national level meeting and many other circles supported the view. We started working over it immediately after and decided to stop printing bills for landline phones and postpaid mobile customers from next month.
As far as benefits for common BSNl consumers is concerned, we have decided to give Rs 10 incentive to every customer who accepts accepting bills via paperless mode like on mobile phones or e-mails. We launched the campaign through reducing uses of paper in office in every work, and the results of this effort are visible in just short span of time.
Which one thing is the largest Carbon Emission contributor for BSNl and how you will handle itIJ
Diesel consumption and air conditioner uses in over 400 exchanges in Jharkhand are the largest Carbon Emission contributors. Then comes vehicles followed by uses of stationeries. However, we have reduced uses of papers in various processes to a considerable low level by bringing ERP system in place. We have decided to focus more on solar power to run our exchanges and the process has already started.
But don’t you think stopping physical bills may cause hurdles to those customers who have no access to internet or mobile phonesIJ
This is exactly what we thought when we thought of printing no bills. And when we went to the customers, we came to know that we have access to only 34 percent of our landline phone customers’ e-mail address and some 60 percent customers’ mobile phone numbers to us. So, first of all we have to reach to 100 percent customers through other ways to encourage them to switch over to paperless bill. Hence, 100 percent online bills couldn’t be possible to achieve. However, we are persuading and encouraging customers to quit physical bills. But those who need it can continue to get it on demand.
What are the steps that you have taken to switch over to solar energyIJ
We have tied up with few solar energy producing companies to install their set up around our exchanges and campuses. The results will be visible in few months and I am sure Jharkhand Circle will go optimum green in three years from now.
You also undertook plantation drives…
Dozens, in past. And it will only continue. However, the drive has remained restricted to lands under our possession, because we can’t do it on government lands without their permission and they have their restraints too.