Implementation of “Development of Solar Cities Programme” during 2013-14

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (Solar Energy Group) released the following statement on the Implementation of "Development of Solar Cities Programme" during 2013-14 and the rest of the 12th Five-Year plan.

The goal of the program is to promote the use of Renewable Energy in Urban Areas by providing support to the Municipal Corporations for preparation and implementation of a Road Map to develop their cities as Solar Cities. The objectives of the programme are given below:

* to enable/empower Urban Local Governments to address energy

challenges at City-level.

* to provide a framework and support to prepare a Master Plan including

assessment of current energy situation, future demand and action

plans.

* to build capacity in the Urban Local Bodies and create awareness

among all sections of civil society.

* to involve various stakeholders in the planning process.

* to oversee the implementation of sustainable energy options through

public-private partnerships.

Physical targets

The target of total 60 cities/towns/Unban Agglomerations (Class I - III) duly notified by the Municipal Authorities/Local Governments with at least one in each State (including 45 Solar Cities already sanctioned i.e. 15 Nos. additional Solar Cities) has been set for the 2013-14 and rest of the 12th Five Year Plan period.

The targets will be achieved by providing support for preparation of a Master Plan for their city; setting up of a ‘Solar City Cell' in the Council/Administration, organizing training programmes/ workshops/ business meets for various stakeholders such as elected representatives of the municipal bodies, municipal officials, architects/engineers, builders and developers, financial institutions, NGOs, technical institutions, manufactures and suppliers, RWAs etc. and on creation of public information and awareness.

The total 15 Cities (including 10 Pilot Solar Cities already sanctioned i.e.

5 Nos. additional Pilot Solar Cities) within the above target are proposed to be developed as ‘Pilot Solar Cities'.

Out of above target of 60 cities, total eight cities (including four Model Solar Cities already sanctioned i.e. four nos. additional Model Solar Cities) are also proposed to be developed as ‘Model Solar Cities' with part financial support for installation of renewable energy and energy conservation projects/devices/systems in the city.

Apart from 60 Solar cities, about 100 small townships/campuses including

new and the existing one, duly notified/permitted by the concerned Authorities being developed by the promoters/builders, SEZs/ industrial towns, Institutional campus etc. for preparation of Master Plan/DPR including the action plan for renewable energy installations, green campus development, awareness generation and trainings, etc. will be covered.

Implementation arrangements

The programme will be implemented through State Nodal Agencies/Urban Local Bodies or other corporate houses for respective cities. For townships and Institutional Campuses the respective organizations may also be involved. The detailed guidelines for implementation of the scheme and financial provisions for various activities are given in the annexure.

Monitoring mechanism

The State Nodal Agencies/the Implementing Agencies will set up

arrangements to closely the monitor the implementation of their projects covered under the scheme. The agencies will furnish progress reports and other information to MNRE and SNAs on a regular basis. The Ministry will also monitor the progress of the scheme independently, including third party inspection and reporting.

Expenditure

An expenditure of Rs. 95 crore is expected to be incurred under the

"Development of Solar Cities Programme" during 2013-14 and rest of the 12th Five Year Plan. Funds to the tune of Rs. 8 crore have been earmarked for expenditure during 2013-14.