Global warming and the challenges it poses to the World environment and habitat is now the most important concern engaging the international community. Countries have undertaken obligations to reduce their carbon footprint in accordance with Nationally Determined Contributions. India has pledged that by 2030, 40% of its total installed power generation capacity will be from Renewables.

Persuasion to this, in 2020, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji has made a case for each state to have at least one Solar City. In this regard, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued a Concept Note on One Solar City in each State/ UT.

Under this Initiative, the Government of Madhya Pradesh have taken the Initiative to solarize the Sanchi which is at the heart of the State and internationally one of the most renowned place in the Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL) as a nodal agency of the state for undertaking such initiatives in the state has created a state of art framework to not only make the city solar but also taken multiple initiatives towards Clean, Green and Energy Efficient City.

Sanchi, a city known for UNESCO's World Heritage Site for having BUDDHIST STUPAS, who is receiving sunlight for over 2,000 years, now it is going to be India's First Solar City. The small city of 9,000 people, with an energy requirement of around 3 million units every year, and sits on the Tropic of Cancer, making it an ideal location to soak in the sun's energy and become one of the first solar city of the country.

Further, in an era where environmental sustainability is at the forefront of global concerns, cities around the world are embracing innovative strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure a cleaner, greener, and sustainable future. One such remarkable example is Sanchi Solar City, a trailblazing urban center that is not only harnessing the power of solar energy but also adopting a range of progressive initiatives to promote sustainability in every facet of its existence.

The Initiative of Solar City captures the essence of Future City which has considered the following:

A.           Harnessing Solar Energy:

Sanchi Solar City has made a bold statement by commitment to harnessing solar energy. The city exemplifies how renewable resources can be integrated into urban infrastructure. Solar Power Projects on the available spaces in the city, grace rooftops, streets, and public spaces, converting sunlight into electricity. This abundant energy source not only powers the city's own needs but also feeds surplus energy back into the grid, contributing to the larger cause of a greener nation.

1.            Replacing conventional source of electricity to non-Conventional sources:

a.            100% electricity consumption from renewable energy through a ground mounted solar project of 3 MW.

b.            Ground mounted solar project of 5 MW for solarization of rural feeder for supply of green power for the Farming purposes.

2.              Reducing the dependence on the Grid Power

a.            Public establishment should establish rooftop solar systems on their premises

b.            Individual rooftop owners should establish rooftop solar system as per availability of space and finances

3.              Solar Powered equipments:

a.            Street-light and high mast for public convenience

b.            Solar powered Signages, Studs on the route to STUPAS.

c.            Water Kiosks.

B.           Promoting Electric Mobility:

MPUVNL recognized the need to address vehicular emissions and city has embraced electric mobility as a cornerstone of its sustainability efforts. To encourage residents and visitors to switch to cleaner transportation alternatives, electric Auto Rickshaw or Golf Carts. To promote the adoption of e-vehicles across the city, Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are strategically placed throughout the city. This move not only reduces air pollution but also contributes to a quieter and healthier urban environment. Further, to made awareness among the citizens regarding e-vehicles, battery operated e-vehicle for garbage collection has been proposed to operate.

C.           Community Engagement and Education:

MPUVNL understands that lasting change requires a collective effort. To meet the aspirational target, MPUVNL organizes regular workshops, awareness campaigns, and educational programs to engage residents, schools, and businesses in the journey towards sustainability.

MPUVNL ensure that each individual or each public establishment of the city should become part of the Initiative and contributed in a best possible manner. The State Government and MPUVNL, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, is committed to the ideals of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas", to build an Aatmanirbhar City for the electricity related matters. Be it a Indian Railway, be it a School, be it a government offices/ buildings, be it a hospital or be it an Individual; everyone has contributed towards sustainability.

To make it successful as a public run campaign, MPUVNL has started the campaign for Urja Saksharta for each individual of the City and covered 95% of the eligible population to promote saving of electricity at demand side.

Further, MPUVNL has completed the energy audit of government establishment to encourage people to save electricity on daily basis by engraving the habit of saving electricity and installing energy efficient equipments.

(Writer is Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikash Nigam)