Delhi Administration Enforces Energy-Saving ACs in All Government Facilities; BJP Critiques as Insufficient

New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Delhi administration has submitted a proposal to Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena mandating the use of energy-efficient air-conditioners, fans, and various appliances as compulsory in all its offices, officials stated on Tuesday. The Opposition BJP has termed it a superficial initiative that is 'too little, too late.'

The proposal was initiated by Chief Minister Atishi, who also oversees the power portfolio, according to an official.

The Chief Minister indicated that this initiative will lead to a reduction in electricity expenses for government buildings and could save the administration crores of rupees, given that the Delhi government spends Rs 1,900 crore annually on power bills for consuming over 2,000 million units of energy.

Previously, the Chief Minister launched a new academic block at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Mukundpur Village, Burari Assembly.

During this event, Chief Minister Atishi commented, 'This impressive block, located amid the densely populated and narrow lanes of Mukundpur Village, surpasses even private schools.'

She further stated, 'Thanks to Arvind Kejriwal's educational revolution, a poor child can now break free from poverty. With quality education, they can achieve their dreams.'

Chief Minister Atishi elaborated, 'From 1947 to 2015, Delhi’s government schools saw the construction of only 24,000 rooms. However, in just a decade, the AAP government has accomplished the equivalent of 65 years' work, constructing over 22,000 rooms.'

After visiting the school's geography lab, Chief Minister Atishi remarked, 'I attended a large private school, but even they did not offer such facilities.'

“This new building, consisting of 36 rooms, is far superior to any private school in the entire area. You won’t find classrooms or labs like these in private institutions nearby,' she added.

Chief Minister Atishi noted, 'With this new building, particularly the girls from Mukundpur Village, who previously had to travel to distant schools after Class 10, will gain the most benefits. Now, they won’t have to journey far for their education.'

During the inauguration, children greeted Chief Minister Atishi with a tilak. Subsequently, the school plaque was unveiled, and Chief Minister Atishi engaged with students showcasing exhibitions before inspecting the school. Local MLA Sanjeev Jha was also in attendance.

In response to the AAP government's initiative for the implementation of green appliances in its offices, Delhi BJP Spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor criticized it as a tardy action.

He expressed that the AAP government’s decision to replace electrical equipment in its offices after a decade in power is a proposal that is significantly outdated.

“Today, Chief Minister Atishi presented a plan to conserve electricity in government offices, a step that is a decade overdue. However, similar initiatives have already been adopted by most major private sector organizations in Delhi,” he noted.

Delhi BJP Spokesperson highlighted that from 2007 to 2022, the BJP administration in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) took proactive measures by installing solar power plants in numerous offices and schools.

“This not only decreased electricity expenses but also established a source of income,” Kapoor stated.

Moreover, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi reduced its electricity bills by two-thirds by converting its entire street lighting system to LED lights. Similarly, Delhi Police implemented cost-saving strategies by linking several police station buildings, offices, and traffic light systems to solar energy.

Kapoor also urged the Delhi government to clarify how many office buildings, schools, colleges, or hospitals have been made energy-efficient through solar power.