V.R. Krishna Iyer It is strange to learn that Kerala has no plan to generate power through alternative means. Swaraj is full-fledged national liberation, a leap forward that is geared to holistic democratic development. None shall be denied such an opportunity to flower and share in the country's progress. This is a condition precedent to the real fulfilment of the needs and comforts, and ensuring the quality of life, of the entire citizenry, particularly those from the weaker sections. All the resources that can promote energy generation have to be kindled because development demands electricity or other forms of energy. This is thus the focus of India on the march. Large-scale advances and improved production will be possible equally in village and city if more electricity is available. Advanced industrialisation cannot be achieved without a robust agrarian base. Indeed, agriculture, industry and technology cannot be divisively developed and none of them can be accelerated without abundant electrification and popular cooperation in extenso, using their creative faculties. Electrification plus people's participation is socially sensitive, economically locomotive democracy in its egalitarian glory. In this context, it is imperative to realise the acute scarcity of extant energy supplies in India at large and in Kerala, and the wisdom of prudent management of energy. First, we must declare an "Energy Emergency.' Kerala now depends on hydel resources as the sole means to produce power for itself. When the monsoon fails, water storage becomes scarce and power shortage drives the State to load-shedding and similar hardships. So we need electricity austerity. At the same time, plural means of power generation in a pollution-free manner is like asking for the moon since wastage of energy is bound to grow, too. Energy