Aizawl Moves Fast To Become Solar City

Aizawl, Sep 25 : The state government has vigorously pursued the Central government s mission to make Aizawl a solar city, urban development and poverty alleviation minister Zodintluanga said today.

Speaking at a workshop on renewable energy technology at the Tourist Lodge, Chaltlang here, Mr Zodintluanga said a master plan, prepared by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), was submitted to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in March this year.

Stakeholder committee and solar city cell have been formed, he added.

To educate public on the use of solar energy, solar water heating system, solar home lighting system, solar lantern and LED street light have been installed at the Aizawl Municipal Council office, the minister said.

Informing that solar energy would be first introduced in cemeteries, community halls, local council houses, street lights and Aizawl New Market building, the minister said data were being collected to prepare DPRs.

Once this mission is accomplished, we would be able to use energy at cheap rates. It is important that we take concerted efforts this project a success, he said. The daylong workshop, co-organised by UDPA and ITP Senergy Advisory Services Private Limited, aimed at utilization of renewable energy in health and education sectors.

Zoram Energy Development Agency (ZEDA) director David Zahmuaka and head of renewable energy solutions under the ITP Senergy Dwipen Boruah, gave power-point presentation on the technology of renewable energy during the workshop attended by officials of Aizawl Municipal Council, school education and higher & technical education departments, hospitals and private and government schools.

The ministry has selected 60 Indian cities to be made renewable energy cities or solar cities under the 11th Five Year Plan, including two model cities, with an objective to support urban local bodies to prepare a road map.

ICLEI, South Asia, wits its vast experience in city planning, was roped in to prepare the master plan. The ministry had provided financial support up to Rs 50 lakh for each solar city to the respective state governments for preparation of a master plan, setting-up institutional arrangements for the implementation of the master plan, awareness generation and capacity building activities.

Further, for two model solar cities, financial support of 50 per cent upto a maximum of Rs 9.50 crore will be available towards the cost of installation of renewable energy systems, sources added.

The state capital of Mizoram, with this project, plans to cover up to 10 per cent of its energy demand via renewable sources and also implement other energy efficiency measures with the programme, official sources said here today.