Centre’s solar city project lags behind in Agra
The central government’s solar city project is yet to make its mark in Agra. Against the target of reducing the total usage of conventional energy of the city by 10% through promotion of solar energy by 2018-end, the administration has been able to achieve less than even 0.5% during the last two years.
Aiming at a minimum 10% reduction in demand of conventional energy at the end of five years, the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE) had launched a scheme on development of solar cities, under which a total of 60 cities including Agra were proposed to be supported for development as ‘Solar/Green Cities’ during the 11th Plan period (2007-2012).
The MNRE in 2012 had also sanctioned Rs 48 lakh for preparation of a master plan to Agra Nagar Nigam for developing Agra as a solar city.