Synopsis
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a transformative initiative to convert all municipal corporations in Uttar Pradesh into solar cities. This move is part of the state's broader commitment to clean energy and sustainable urban development, aiming for significant clean energy generation and environmental improvements.Key Takeaways
- Uttar Pradesh aims to generate 22,000 MW of clean energy.
- Ayodhya is the state's first solar city.
- Public involvement is crucial for environmental initiatives.
- Plans to eliminate open waste burning in Gorakhpur by 2027.
- Improvement in Gorakhpur's Air Quality Index from 280 to nearly 100.
Gorakhpur, March 13 (NationPress) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared on Thursday that all municipal corporations in Uttar Pradesh will be converted into solar cities as part of the state's dedication to clean energy and sustainable urban development.
This declaration was made during the final session of a three-day workshop and national conference on the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) held in Gorakhpur.
CM Yogi highlighted that Uttar Pradesh aims to generate 22,000 MW of clean energy.
He also revealed that Ayodhya has already transformed into the state’s first solar city, generating 6,000 MW of renewable energy.
In addition, Bundelkhand is in the process of establishing a green energy corridor with a capacity of 5,000 MW, he noted.
He emphasized that reaching India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070 necessitates collective action at all levels, from national to local. Public participation in environmental preservation is crucial.
He stated, “No movement can succeed without public involvement.”
Since taking office in 2017, CM Yogi has launched several initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, such as replacing 1.7 million halogen streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and cutting emissions. His administration also prohibited single-use plastics under the Vishwakarma Samman Scheme to foster eco-friendly alternatives.
CM Yogi praised the Ujjwala Gas Scheme, which has provided LPG connections to 100 million individuals, decreasing reliance on firewood, coal, and dung cakes, thus enhancing air quality.
In tackling the stubble burning issue in the Delhi-NCR area, CM Yogi announced that the Uttar Pradesh government is urging farmers to sell crop stubble for producing compressed biogas and ethanol. Despite rapid industrial expansion and infrastructure development, the state has successfully increased its forest cover through large-scale plantation initiatives.
Looking ahead, CM Yogi outlined plans to eliminate open waste burning in Gorakhpur by 2027. A compressed biogas plant has been established in the city to effectively manage agricultural waste. The government is also advocating for green hydrogen production and rainwater harvesting to restore groundwater levels and sustain ecological balance.
He encouraged households to implement rainwater harvesting systems to support rivers and conserve natural resources.
CM Yogi commended Gorakhpur, describing it as an exemplary city with plentiful natural resources. He noted that the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has improved from 280 to nearly 100 over the past five years, with Gorakhpur's environmental initiatives now receiving national recognition.
