Mahabubnagar in Telangana and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh are among the 60 cities/towns proposed to be developed as ‘Solar/ Green Cities” across the country under a scheme launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
At least one city in each State, and up to a maximum of five cities are proposed to be supported financially by the Ministry.
Financial support of Rs. 50 lakh would be provided for preparation of master plan for each city.
While the master plan for Vijayawada has already been prepared, the one for Mahabubnagar is under preparation. MNRE has issued sanctions for 50 cities, including Vijayawada while in-principle, approvals have been given for Mahabubnagar and four other cities.
Vijayawada figures among 15 cities being developed as ‘Pilot Solar Cities’. Each of them will be released financial support of Rs.2.50 crore by MNRE, provided an equal amount is given by municipal corporation/ city administration/ State or other resources.
Stakeholders committees have been constituted in 50 solar cities and solar city cells have been created in 26 solar cities, according to a note on solar cities.