Now Agartala Aims To Become Solar-Powered

Looks like India is seriously considering switching to solar-powered resources and products. Recently, cities like Shimla and Chandigarh have devised their solar city plans and this initiative is being ably supported by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). According to a Business Line report, Tripura has also decided to follow on the solar path and is said to be readying a report to make use of solar power mandatory for building owners in Agartala.

The present building rules would be changed to make use of solar energy compulsory in buildings to reduce dependence on conventional energy, Tripura Science, Technology and Environment Minister Joy Gobinda Debroy reportedly said. “The rules would be applicable to private, government and commercial buildings,” Debroy said.

With the Centre suggesting that Northeastern state capitals should be included among 60 cities in the country to be turned into solar energy hotspots, Debroy said the state government had started preparing a detailed project report. A survey would be undertaken in Agartala soon, he said.

The Agartala Municipal Council has made a Rs 4.52 billion master plan to make Agartala a “solar city”. MNRE will be responsible for bearing 90 per cent of the cost and the remaining 10 per cent would be borne by the state government in the next three years.

MNRE has already allocated 41 cities which will be developed as model solar cities in the country.