Corporation pushes for solar rooftop and e-vehicle subsidies to achieve zero carbon emission
Thiruvananthapuram: In a major push to make state capital a zero-carbon emission city, corporation submitted a fresh proposal to the district planning committee (DPC) seeking subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) and solar rooftop installations across all 100 wards.
Currently, solar panel roofing is being implemented at several govt offices across the city. Building on this momentum, corporation's proposal aims to extend solar infrastructure to residential rooftops, particularly targeting lower- and middle-income households to improve
energy access
and cut conventional electricity usage. The proposal, submitted a few days ago, includes a plan to provide EVs, specifically e-autorickshaws and delivery vehicles, to gig workers and auto drivers.
Corporation believes this would significantly reduce vehicular emissions, a major contributor to the city's carbon footprint.
Corporation secretary Jahamgeer S said the initiative reflects the civic body's commitment to both environmental and social equity. "Our vision is to transition Thiruvananthapuram into a zero-emission city by enabling clean mobility and promoting renewable energy at the community level," he said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Glicemia alta? Misture 1 gota disso no copo e teste
Saúde Melhor Idade
Veja agora
Undo
"We want to ensure that even gig workers and auto drivers have access to electric mobility solutions, not just the affluent," he said.
Corporation will now prepare a detailed project report (DPR), expected within two months, to be submitted to state govt for final approval.
A coordination committee is being set up and is scheduled to meet next month to deliberate on various components of the DPR and incorporate stakeholder feedback.
According to officials, the plan involves providing subsidies to residents willing to install rooftop solar panels. Special focus will be on housing colonies and areas with high energy consumption. Corporation is also exploring partnerships with energy companies and govt agencies to streamline implementation.
The proposed transition to EVs for all autorickshaws and gig workers is expected to be rolled out in phases.
Charging infrastructure will be developed simultaneously, with stations planned at major transport hubs and public parking areas. Corporation's green ambitions also align with the larger goals of CITIIS 2.0 project and the state's climate action roadmap. CITIIS 2.0 is an Union govt initiative that promotes a circular economy with focus on integrated waste management and climate action.
Besides reducing emissions, these projects are expected to create green jobs, lower household energy costs and improve overall quality of life in urban areas.
Corporation officials emphasised that public support will be critical to the zero-emission plan's success. Awareness campaigns, ward-level consultations and pilot projects are also in the pipeline to ensure wide participation and smooth implementation.
Last year, the corporation, Energy Management Centre, WRI India and Indian Green Building Council organised a stakeholder consultation workshop to develop a city action plan for net zero carbon and resilient buildings. The city has an air quality index (AQI) of 66, which is the lowest in the country, according to the latest data from the central pollution control board (CPCB).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Why should a vegetarian order from non-veg serving eatery if it hurts sentiments, asks consumer panel
A consumer redressal commission in Mumbai has said if meat-based food hurts a "strictly vegetarian" person's religious sentiments, why should the individual opt to order from a restaurant serving both veg and non-veg items. It seems reasonable that "a prudent person would be able to distinguish between veg and non-veg food before consuming," the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mumbai Suburban (Additional) said in an order passed last month. The commission dismissed a complaint by two persons against an eatery for allegedly wrongly serving them non-vegetarian food. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "If the complainants were strictly vegetarian and non-veg food hurts their religious sentiments, then why did they opt to order the food items from the restaurant which was delivering both non-veg and vegetarian food , instead of ordering the food from the restaurant which was exclusively vegetarian and served only and only vegetarian food," it said. As per the complainants, they had ordered a steamed 'Darjeeling momo combo' with a soft drink from a Wow Momos outlet at Sion in Mumbai on December 19, 2020. Live Events They claimed to have specifically emphasised their vegetarian preference twice. However, they received steamed "chicken Darjeeling momos", the complainants said. They further alleged that the eatery staff ignored their instructions and that the display board at the outlet did not clearly indicate vegetarian or non-vegetarian options for the combo. The complainants claimed they suffered mental trauma, emotional distress and their religious feelings were hurt due to the negligence of the company. They sought Rs 6 lakh in compensation for the distress caused. The company, on the other hand, contended the complainants themselves ordered non-vegetarian items, as indicated by the invoice. It alleged that the complainants physically abused their employee and created a nuisance, leading them to refund the order and provide the products free of cost. The company submitted that the complainants were not "consumers" under the Consumer Protection Act due to the refund. Despite the alleged behaviour, the company said it offered a gift voucher worth Rs 1,200 as a goodwill gesture, but the complainants demanded Rs 3 lakh each. The complaint was filed with malafide intention to harass the company, it claimed. The commission noted that the invoice indicated the complainants ordered non-veg momos. "A prudent person would be able to distinguish between veg and non-veg food before consuming it seems reasonable," the commission noted. The commission pointed out that while the offer board's photo did not clearly state if the steamed Darjeeling Momo combo was veg or non-veg, it did mention "veg/non-veg" at the bottom, implying the availability of both the options. Furthermore, the complainants failed to provide evidence or details regarding any religious ceremonies they claimed were affected, the commission said. The complainants have not been able to establish any deficiency in service on the part of the company, it added.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Lucknow nominated as UNESCO 'City of Gastronomy'; set to join Hyderabad on global culinary map
Photo credit: AI LUCKNOW: The city of Nawabs, known for its sumptuous kebabs and royal culinary traditions, is now vying for global recognition. Lucknow has been officially nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a 'City of Gastronomy' a title currently held by only one other Indian city, Hyderabad. Confirming the development, Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob said, 'We have submitted our nomination, and additional data will be sent by the end of June. Post that, Unesco may conduct a field visit to verify our claims. Lucknow's culinary culture is not just historic—it's a living tradition passed down over centuries.' The nomination, coordinated by the state's department of tourism and culture, highlights the city's rich Awadhi fare—iconic dishes like Tunday kebabs, galawati, nihari, biryani, khasta, kulfi, and jalebi that have drawn food lovers from across the globe. Heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lambah, appointed to prepare the Unesco dossier, noted, 'Lucknow's gastronomic heritage was enriched by the royal kitchens of Awadh and continues to thrive across communities—from Brahmins and Baniyas to Kayasthas, Khattris and working-class families. The city offers a diverse culinary ecosystem, from legendary kebabs to humble khasta and puri-sabzi.' 'Food Lucknow is a major food destination,' she added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wrinkles? No. Philips Garment Steamers Book Now Undo Special Secretary, Tourism, Eesha Priya, said the application is now under review by the Union Ministry of Culture. 'The blueprint prepared by Abha's team is detailed and data-backed. We're hopeful Lucknow will make the cut,' she said. Unesco's Creative Cities Network recognises cities with vibrant cultural sectors. Globally, cities like Alba (Italy), Arequipa (Peru), Bergen (Norway), Belem (Brazil), and Bendigo (Australia) are already part of the list under the gastronomy category. Experts say Lucknow offers a compelling case. 'The artistry in Awadhi cooking—from the dum pukht technique to refined spice layering—is unmatched. Lucknow isn't just about food, it's about storytelling through cuisine,' said Ahad Arshad, a local food chain operator. Culinary expert Adil Hussain added, 'Hyderabad may be known for its biryani and haleem, but Lucknow offers a deeper, more nuanced food journey—from Mughlai meats to street snacks. It's a complete sensory experience.' Officials point out that while the city is celebrated for its non-vegetarian delights, vegetarian and sweet offerings are just as noteworthy. 'Dishes like Bajpai ki Puri, Durga ke Khaste, Malai Paan, and Motichur ke Laddoo are integral to Lucknow's identity,' said an officer involved in the bid. With the final submission underway and Unesco assessment awaited, Lucknow could soon find itself on the world's gastronomic map—one kebab at a time.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Meet Scott Bessent - the gay banker who beat up Elon Musk
The White House witnessed two rare phenomenon this year- an openly gay Republican taking charge of the US treasury department and that same person beating up the richest man Elon Musk . Moreover, the brawl between Scott Bessent and Musk eventually contributed to the latter's messy break-up with Donald Trump. The confrontation unfolded in the West Wing following a contentious Oval Office meeting, where both men lobbied Trump over who should lead the IRS. After the meeting, Bessent called Musk a 'total fraud,' accusing him of failing to deliver on promised spending cuts. In response, Musk allegedly delivered a forceful shoulder strike to Bessent's ribcage 'like a rugby player,' triggering a brief brawl that bystanders had to break up, as narrated by MAGA activist Steve Bannon. Trump, upon learning of the incident, reportedly said it was 'too much.' The scuffle ended with Musk being escorted out of the West Wing. Who is Scott Bessent? Scott Bessent is the first openly gay Treasury Secretary and the first openly LGBTQ Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in a Republican administration. A Yale graduate, he built a distinguished career in finance with roles at Brown Brothers Harriman, the Olayan Group, and Kynikos Associates before entering public service. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He has been a long-time advocate, supporter and mentor of financial literacy and education programs. He has endorsed key pillars of Trump's economic agenda, including business deregulation, tax cuts, and tariffs targeting major US trading partners. In announcing his nomination on November 22, Trump praised Bessent as 'a strong advocate of the America First Agenda.' However, Bessent has faced some skepticism from conservatives. When Trump first considered him for the role, it sparked criticism from Elon Musk, the billionaire tapped to co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. 'Bessent is a business-as-usual choice,' Musk had said, adding, 'Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another.'
