The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Department (UPNEDA) is planning to transform Ayodhya into the state’s first “solar city” before the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, expected to take place in January.
During an inspection in May, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that in Ayodhya, the capital of Suryavansh, electricity will be generated solely from renewable solar energy, rather than other sources.
The plan involves creating a solar park next to the Saryu river, introducing solar-powered boats, installing solar streetlights, using solar energy in public transportation, offering solar-powered amenities like mobile charging points in public areas, and using solar energy to electrify government buildings and promote its use in households.
The main focus of the Ayodhya project is to set up a 40 MW solar plant near the Saryu river, which will be managed by NTPC Green. The first phase of the project, which includes installing 10 MW, is scheduled to be completed by January. UPNEDA officials have verified that the land for the project has been chosen and construction has already begun.
UPNEDA has already put up 134 solar streetlights in Ayodhya that were designed by Philips. The remaining 276 lights will be installed soon. These streetlights have a modular design where the battery is placed inside the pole and the solar panel is on top, according to officials.
By January, additional facilities such as 150 solar high-mast lights at important road junctions, five dedicated e-rickshaws for disabled devotees, 10 solar-powered water kiosks (four of which are already operational), and two solar-powered boats accommodating up to 30 people will be introduced.
The Solar Energy Policy in Uttar Pradesh aims to develop 16 municipal corporations and Noida as solar cities.
Reference – Business Standard, Times Of India, India Today, UPNEDA website