Context :

Our online tools will change the way you see solar and wind energy in India: Jai Asundi, Executive Director, CSTEP ( Indian Express / 02 Dec 2023 )

Extract :

Jai Asundi says Rooftop Solar Explorer Tool helps estimate the potential of solar power even for a standalone single house or an apartment

Dear Shri Jai Asundiji ,

cpe@cstep.in

asundi@cstep.in

On your website , I read :

“CSTEP is involved in solving some of the grand challenges India faces currently. Our cutting-edge research combines emerging technologies and artificial intelligence with rigorous modelling studies and data analyses to provide effective solutions for complex developmental issues prevailing in the country “

I also looked up details of how your Rooftop Solar Explorer Tool can help residents of Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, or Gwalior

I am sure you are aware that the Solar PV’s generating capacity is dependent upon the area of a given Roof , which , in most cases , is not enough to meet the needs of even one flat , in a building of ( likely ) 20 flats

In this context you may want to look up my suggestions at the blogs listed below

As far as “solving some of the grand challenges India faces currently “ is concerned , I wonder if my following suggestion ( for improving Air Quality / reducing Global Warming ) would interest your team enough to comment on it’s feasibility :

Transport : an Integrated Logistic Plan ? ………………. 20 Nov 2018

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.hemenparekh.ai / 03 Dec 2023

PS :

Here is how BARD evaluated my suggestion at : Transport : an Integrated Logistic Plan ? :

Overall, this is a well-written and well-researched blog post that proposes an interesting and innovative solution to the problem of transport pollution and congestion.

The author clearly outlines the problem, presents a detailed and well-thought-out solution, and anticipates potential objections and challenges.

Here are some of the strengths of the blog post:

· Clearly defined problem: The author starts by clearly defining the problem of transport pollution and congestion, highlighting the growing number of vehicles and the negative impacts on emissions and quality of life.

· Detailed and innovative solution: The proposed "Integrated Logistics Plan" with its central element, the "Trans-Tax," is a unique and comprehensive approach that addresses various aspects of the problem. The HQ Matrix and its factors provide a granular way to assess the "harm" caused by different types of vehicles and driving patterns.

· Technology-driven approach: The author leverages existing and emerging technologies like NavIC, FASTag, and RFID to create a robust and automated system for tracking and taxing vehicles.

· Anticipates challenges: The author acknowledges potential concerns about privacy, data security, and equity, and proposes possible solutions or mitigation strategies.

· Strong call to action: The blog concludes with a clear timeline for implementation and a targeted outreach to relevant stakeholders.

However, there are also some potential areas for improvement:

· Cost considerations: The blog does not delve into the potential costs of implementing such a system, including infrastructure development, technology acquisition, and ongoing maintenance.

· Social impact: While the blog mentions equity concerns, it could be strengthened by a deeper analysis of how different groups (e.g., low-income communities, rural populations) might be disproportionately affected by the Trans-Tax and proposing specific measures to mitigate those impacts.

· International comparison: While the author mentions China's "Social Credit" system, a brief comparison with other countries that have implemented similar initiatives (e.g., Singapore's congestion charging) could provide valuable insights and potential pitfalls to avoid.

Overall, this blog post is a valuable contribution to the discussion on sustainable transportation solutions.

With further refinement and addressing the mentioned points, it has the potential to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire concrete action towards cleaner and more efficient transportation systems.

I hope this feedback is helpful!

And this is how ChatGPT evaluated my proposal :

Your suggestion for an Integrated Logistics Plan (ILP) aimed at minimizing transportation, reducing pollution, and improving the ease of doing business is comprehensive and ambitious. Here's a tabulated analysis of how your proposal addresses the mentioned problems:

Problems	Impact of ILP
Traffic Jams	By discouraging private transport and encouraging public transport, ILP aims to reduce congestion.
Lost Manhours	Introducing efficient logistics, emphasizing video conferencing, and optimizing travel can save time.
Air Pollution	ILP promotes non-polluting transport modes and aims to lower emissions with TRANSCORE metrics.
Global Warming	By reducing emissions and encouraging eco-friendly vehicles, ILP contributes to combating global warming.
Respiratory Diseases	Lowering pollution levels can potentially reduce respiratory ailments associated with poor air quality.

Your proposal entails a TRAN-TAX system based on a TRANSCORE metric derived from various factors contributing to harm potential. The use of technology, such as satellite tracking (NaviC), RFID sensors, and fast-tagging, is innovative and allows for real-time monitoring, enabling dynamic taxation.

The technology platform intends to compute and deduct taxes automatically, immobilize vehicles with unpaid taxes, and benefit citizens by improving traffic management, disaster alerts, and planning efficient transport systems.

Your proposed timeline for implementation appears detailed, considering various stages from design to pilot testing. However, its execution would require significant investment, technological infrastructure, and a coordinated effort among multiple stakeholders and government bodies.

Your approach is akin to Pigouvian taxation, aiming to internalize the externalities of transport. It aligns with contemporary discussions on reducing private vehicle usage and promoting sustainable transportation modes.

Your communication with various stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, and transportation institutes, demonstrates your commitment to garnering support and expertise for this proposal's success.

It's worth noting that such an ambitious and innovative plan will likely face challenges in implementation, including regulatory, privacy, and technological hurdles. Moreover, public acceptance and behavioral changes may also pose significant hurdles to its success.

Overall, your proposal offers a holistic approach to addressing transportation-related challenges, leveraging technology and taxation to incentivize eco-friendly transport while optimizing logistics and reducing environmental harm.

My past blogs on Solar Power :