Solar Systems introduced at Chitral.
CHITRAL: To overcome energy crises at Chitral and to save forest from mercilessly (ruthless) cutting solar water heaters(SWH) were introduced first time in Chitral. German Technical Cooperation (GIZ) in collaboration with Aga Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) started dissemination of solar water heating systems in Chitral Region. Firstly entrepreneurs were developed and then they have been given on job installation trainings of the systems. To attract the locals, GIZ provided the 30% subsidy on the SWHs cost for the first five solar water heater pilot projects. Solar water heating systems were installed for the domestic use as well as commercial installations were also the part of dissemination of the SWHs in different hotels of Chitral. The dissemination events been conducted at the local hotels where people from every walk of life were present. Technical personal Muhammad Saeed of GIZ briefed the people about the technology and solar water heater users shared their experience with the audience. Secondly an event for the hotel industry conducted where the consultant responded different questions of participants. Shahzada Mudasirul Mulk chief executive of Creative Approaches for Development (CAD) also highlighted benefits of solar energy system in Chitral. He said that by adopting solar appliances our forest can be saved from ruthless cutting. Responding to a question he said that during winter season when snowfall cover the area this solar water heater will provide hot water through electric backup. He said that this device is very cheap and by adopting of equipments running by solar energy we can overcome on energy crises in the country. He said that we are also introducing alternate energy equipments like bio briquette moulds and bio briquette machines for briquette manufacturing which will be alternate of fuel wood as well as CAD will introduce bio gas plants for local gas production for household