Ahmedabad, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Standing Committee of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has recently given the green light to a comprehensive suite of renewable energy and infrastructure initiatives, paving the way for officials to pursue their ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2028.

In a media briefing, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani revealed that the Corporation currently allocates approximately Rs 350 crore annually for electricity consumption. To mitigate these costs and lessen reliance on traditional energy sources, a strategy to enhance the use of renewable energy sources has been decided upon.

“Our plan involves ramping up renewable energy utilization. Currently, the Municipal Corporation spends nearly Rs 350 crore on electricity. To address this, we are implementing a plan to achieve 43 percent renewable energy usage, which includes the installation of solar panels across all AMC properties,” he stated.

The committee has also endorsed the deployment of floating solar projects at various civic water bodies, such as Kankaria Lake, Sabarmati Riverfront, and Lambha Lake. A designated state agency has been authorized to manage the project, leading to the preparation of tenders.

Dani emphasized that the Corporation is striving to achieve complete reliance on renewable energy for its operations by 2028, with projected cumulative savings on electricity reaching a staggering Rs 3,000 crore. “We are actively working towards reaching Net Zero by 2028 and ensuring that the Corporation operates on 100 percent renewable energy,” he affirmed.

During the same session, budgetary approval was granted for enhancing several key tourist attractions in collaboration with the Heritage Committee.

Dani mentioned that a list of sites has been curated for upgrades aimed at making them more appealing to visitors. The financial outlay for this initiative has received approval from Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and the state government.

Locations earmarked for improvement include Kankaria Lake, Atal Bridge, Sabarmati Riverfront, Jagannath Temple, and Swaminarayan Temple.

At Kankaria Lakefront, new attractions have also been sanctioned. Dani announced that new rides will be introduced, alongside the establishment of a Candy Museum with an investment of Rs 10 crore.

The Corporation is set to receive 35 percent of the revenue generated from this project, which is expected to be completed within a year.

A light-and-musical multimedia fountain is also planned for Kankaria Lakefront, with an approved budget of Rs 5.53 crore. This project encompasses supply, installation, testing, commissioning, a one-year defect liability period, and four years of operational maintenance.

This fountain will feature water jets, music, lighting, and visual projections on a water screen, with four themed shows lasting 15 minutes each, scheduled after 7 p.m. daily.

The Chairman also discussed measures for summer preparedness, stating that of the approximately 60 fountains in the city, 54 will be operational soon, while repairs on the remaining six are in progress.

Meetings will occur by March 15 with nonprofit organizations that provide free drinking water during the summer months.

Daily, around six lakh passengers utilize AMTS and BRTS services, and starting from March 15, cold drinking water will be available at bus stops until the onset of the monsoon in June.

Additionally, the Corporation’s Garden Department will ensure trees across the city receive water from tankers during the hottest months of summer.