Delhi's first 'Green Budget' to focus on electric-vehicles, solar energy
Delhi's budget, scheduled to be presented tomorrow likely by Finance Minister Manish Sisodia, will be mainly focusing on environment and renewable energy. The two main proposals in the budget will be solar farming for farmers and road tax waiver for owners of electric vehicles in Delhi. The need for Delhi's first 'Green Budget' was rising as the city battles increasing air pollution.
'Hoping 6.7 million scooters and motorcycles owners shift to EV'
Currently, 2-12.5% of the vehicle cost is applied as road tax, but that would not be charged if one owns an electric vehicle (EV). Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said that this initiative will be included in the EV policy. Government officials also hoped that some owners of the 6.7 million scooters and motorcycles in the city will shift to electric vehicles post this step.
'Good move, but aggressive pushing required'
"As variants of EV are very few, so the government will have to think of ways to bridge the gap and ensure that the road tax waiver scheme is actually pushed aggressively among Delhiites. It is a great incentive otherwise," said environmentalist Sunita Narain.
Another budget talk point: Solar panels on farmer's land
Another key point in this year's budget is solar farms that will entail installation of solar panels on a farmer's land, though only after his approval. "The money earned by selling electricity will be divided among the renewable energy developer and the farmer," said an official privy to the development. Since the panels will be installed three meters above ground, farming can be continued.
Solar plant installation talks on
Government is in talks with farmers in Delhi's periphery for setting up of a solar plant of 15 MW on a pilot basis. The city's current solar capacity is 77.34 MW; the target set was 186 MW in 2017.
