Bharat has taken yet another step towards renewable energy and thus, sustainable development.
The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Department (UPNEDA) has undertaken the task to develop Ayodhya into the state’s first ‘solar city’.
A major part of the plan is the installation of a 40 MW solar plant on the banks of the Saryu (by NTPC Green). Solar energy will electrify 117 government buildings with around 2.5MW of power.
This includes RML Avadh University (250kW), Agriculture University (55kW), the district court (100kW), Ram Katha Museum (58kW) and different government secondary schools (50kW). The authorities have also set a target to establish solar power with a capacity of 6 MW on 125 residential and commercial buildings.
Solar trees, with solar panels in branch-like structures with LEDs, will be installed at various places. Among these 40 are of 1kW capacity and 18 of 2.5kW capacity. The branch-like panels provide shade and can be installed over small drinking water kiosks or benches.
Solar smart streetlights, 134 installed and 276 to be added, will light up Ayodhya. One hundred and fifty solar high-mast lights will be installed at prominent road crossings. Ten solar-powered water kiosks are to be set up, four of which have been installed.
To encourage electric vehicles (EVs) two solar-powered EV charging stations will be set up. Five dedicated e-rickshaws will be available for devotees with disabilities. A six-metric-ton solar cold storage facility is being installed at the local mandi to benefit farmers.
The aim is to achieve this target in its initial phase before the Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Ram temple on 22 January 2024. This project is a key component of Uttar Pradesh’s Solar Energy Policy 2022, aiming to develop 16 municipal corporations and Noida into solar cities.
