In anticipation of the forthcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram temple, scheduled for January 22, 2023, Ayodhya, a prominent city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is undergoing a transformation into the region’s inaugural “solar city.” The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Department (UPNEDA) is spearheading this ambitious endeavor.
Under the vigilant eye of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Ayodhya’s conversion into a solar city is progressing steadily. The chief minister emphasized Ayodhya’s historical significance, declaring it as the “capital of Suryavansh” where electricity will predominantly be generated from renewable solar energy.
The initiative encompasses several key components, including the establishment of a solar park along the banks of the Saryu River, the introduction of solar-powered boats, the installation of solar streetlights, the adoption of solar energy sources in public transport, and the electrification of government buildings via solar energy.
This project aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s Solar Energy Policy 2022, which envisions the development of 16 municipal corporations and Noida as “solar cities.” Ayodhya, in particular, is poised to serve as a model for this endeavor.
While the solar city project is designed as a five-year plan (2023-2028), the initial phase focuses on critical facilities such as streetlights, solar panels on government buildings, e-rickshaws with charging stations, solar trees, and solar-powered water purifiers for drinking kiosks, with many of these slated for completion by January.
One of the standout features is the establishment of a 40 MW solar plant along the Saryu River, commissioned by NTPC Green, with 10 MW expected to be operational by January. Additionally, solar panels will adorn the rooftops of 117 government buildings.
Ayodhya is also set to witness the installation of numerous solar amenities, including solar smart streetlights, solar trees, and solar-powered EV charging stations, further contributing to its transformation into a solar-powered city.
With these developments, Ayodhya aims to achieve its target of meeting 10% of its electricity demand through renewable power, officially earning the title of a solar city, in harmony with the state’s green energy vision.
