In an effort to establish grid-connected solar plants for supplying its own electricity needs and make the transition to entirely green resources for power generation in the future, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) approved a new solar policy on Thursday.
According to NDMC officials, the policy aims to harness the potential for solar energy generation by using the existing roof space of buildings and other open places for solar systems.
NDMC members Satish Upadhyay, Vishakha Sailani, Kuljeet Singh Chahal, and Girish Sachdeva passed a motion of censure against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday for his “failure” to control floods in New Delhi and over the lack of drinking water for 4-5 days in the NDMC areas, according to Satish Upadhyay, the council’s vice chairman.
According to him, the council passed 16 of the 17 recommendations that were presented to it under the agenda items pertaining to citizens and employees.
The council approved 16 proposals out of 17 in the agenda items related to citizens and employees placed before it, he said.
“NDMC has embarked upon an ambitious journey of shifting to 100 per cent renewable energy. NDMC shall promote the development of grid-connected solar plants for meeting own electricity needs and injecting surplus electricity into the distribution grid through grid-connectivity must comply,” Upadhyay said in a press conference.
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), he said, will determine the feed-in tariff for the electricity produced by solar power facilities.
According to NDMC, a net metering facility will be set up for its customers who want to promote solar energy and build solar photovoltaic, or PV, facilities.
“Individual households, offices, commercial establishments, institutions, residential complexes, etc. will be eligible for project capacity of minimum 1 KW or more,” the statement read.
In the event that a consumer applies under the net metering framework, the maximum capacity of such a system will not be greater than the sanctioned connected load.
“However, if a consumer wants to install such a Solar PV system more than the sanctioned load, the consumer shall get the enhanced load sanctioned & bear all expenses related with laying of suitable size cable and associated infrastructure necessary for such enhanced load,” the civic body said.
The policy aims to utilise the building roof space and other such open areas to set up solar systems and reduce the dependence on conventional sources of energy, it said.
Upadhyay said the NDMC, with its Solar Policy 2022, is taking a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future, “aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote renewable energy adoption.”
The council also approved mechanised housekeeping works at the cost of Rs 6.38 crore for Palika Bazar, Yashwant Place, Chanakya Bhawan, Palika Bhawan, Barat Ghar Building (1st & 2nd Floor) Kidwai Nagar, Local Shopping Centre at East Kidwai Nagar Complex, SBS Place, Inoculation Centre (Mandir Marg), Mohan Singh Place, and Palika Place Complex of NDMC area.
“The effect of implementing mechanised housekeeping is expected to be a cleaner, more efficient and eco-friendly overall quality of life for the residents and forests in the NDMC area,” Upadhyay said.
The NDMC also increased the Transfer Duty levied on the transfer of immovable Properties by one per cent.
“As per provisions of section 93(2) of NDMC Act, 1994, duty on transfer of property shall be levied at such rate as may be determined by the Council not exceeding 5 per cent on the amount specified against each instrument specified in the aforesaid clause,” the NDMC said.
The council accorded administrative approval to transfer five acres of land at Compost Plant Okhla earlier leased by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to NDMC to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Upadhyay said that the council’s decision is expected to have a positive impact on the welfare of its employees and contribute to the city’s growth and overall well-being.
The council has also decided to revive three posts of Principal and one post of Vice Principal in the Education department deemed abolished due to not having filled on a regular or ad hoc basis for more than two years.
The four posts were revived in Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas located in the NDMC areas.
(With PTI inputs)
