Ayodhya Emerges as Economic Powerhouse, Set to Become UP’s First Solar City

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is on the brink of significant economic and sustainable development milestones, leading up to the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22. The city has become a magnet for investment, securing commitments worth Rs 49,000 crore during the 2023 Global Investor Summit in Uttar Pradesh, promising a prosperous future for the region.

In the past fiscal year of 2022-23, Ayodhya experienced a remarkable 131% surge in exports, totaling ₹254 crores across diverse sectors, a substantial increase from ₹110 crores in the previous year. Forecasts suggest a potential surge of nearly 150% in exports for the current financial year, indicating a continued upward trajectory.

Notably, coal, particularly bituminous and steam coal, dominated the export landscape, amounting to ₹90.61 crores and ₹3.81 crores respectively. Other contributors to the export figures included craft paper and paperboard exports reaching ₹44.56 crores, with notable contributions from poster paper (₹1.7 crores), Ayurvedic medicines (₹3.18 crores), parboiled rice (₹2.76 crores), wood pulp boards (₹3.12 crores), and bakery machinery (₹3.24 crores).

Gaurav Dayal, Ayodhya Divisional Commissioner, expressed satisfaction with the city’s impressive export numbers, highlighting its comprehensive development across nine distinct sectors, surpassing previous export records. He emphasized Ayodhya’s commitment to economic diversification and sustained growth.

Moreover, Ayodhya is poised to become Uttar Pradesh’s inaugural Solar City, blending spirituality with sustainable energy initiatives. Spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Department (UPNEDA), this ambitious project includes solar parks, solar-powered transportation, street lights, and solar energy adoption in public infrastructure, marking a significant step towards a greener future. The upcoming ‘Pran Pratishtha’ consecration ceremony with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and around 11,000 guests will showcase Ayodhya’s transformation into a Solar City on a national scale.

As part of this initiative, Ayodhya is undergoing a substantial transformation, with a 40 MW solar power plant on 165 acres of land, aiming for full operational capacity by March 2024. This aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s Solar Energy Policy 2022 and positions Ayodhya as a pioneering force in solar innovation, serving as a model for 17 municipal corporations, including Noida.

The solar initiative extends beyond infrastructure development to include solar-powered amenities, public transport, mobile phone charging setups, and water kiosks, integrating sustainable practices into the daily lives of residents. Notably, rooftop solar power plants with a total capacity of 1073 kW have been established, encouraging widespread adoption through outreach programs and camps.

Ayodhya’s accomplishments in solar energy, such as off-grid power plants and solar street lights, reflect Uttar Pradesh’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation, elevating the city as a beacon of progress and green practices.