Civic body plans to turn Surat into solar city

SURAT: All establishments occupying more than 300 sq m will soon be encouraged to use solar energy in a bid to turn Surat into a solar city. Green building architecture will also be encouraged. Use of solar panels for hoardings, lighting in open areas, public utilities, streets etc will come into play as mid-term goal.
On long-term basis, the use of solar energy will become mandatory on all important buildings and industrial installations.The Surat collectorate building is in the process of going solar and the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) will follow suit soon.
After the ministry of new and renewable energy announced the programme to develop solar cities across the country, the SMC made a presentation to convert the diamond city into a solar city. A solar energy cell was set up and a stake-holders committee was also formed. The first meeting of this committee is on April 15. A consultant has also been appointed for the job. "Initially, we would like to have requirements and supply for coming 10 years chalked out from every sector,'' a SMC official said.