The city is a step closer to harnessing solar energy in a big way with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy approving the Mysore City Corporation's master plan for ‘solar cities' project. An official communication on this is awaited.
The project aims to promote renewable energy resources, thereby reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
Sixty cities, including Mysore, Hubli and Dharwad, have been identified for the project.
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. (KREDL) is providing technical support for the project, while the MCC is the implementing agency in Mysore.
The primary objective is to minimise the demand for conventional energy by at least 10 per cent. The MCC is aiming at developing Mysore into a ‘solar city' by 2015 by encouraging sustainable energy options through public-private partnerships.
MCC Commissioner K.S. Raikar told The Hindu that the master plan prepared by a Mumbai-based consultant was approved on January 4. “We are awaiting official communication from the Ministry,” he added.
A ‘solar city cell' will be opened on the MCC premises to send the project proposals to the Ministry. The MCC has proposed to take up solar energy initiatives, such as solar lighting in offices, homes and on the streets with support from stakeholders.
“Preliminary discussion on six projects, which include harnessing solar energy to illuminate the Mysore palace, were over. In addition, we have plans to harness solar energy to meet the energy needs of prominent heritage buildings and government offices,” the commissioner said.

MODEL SOLAR CITY

Mr. Raikar said a proposal had been sent to the Ministry for selecting Mysore as the ‘model' solar city among the 60 cities.
Four cities will be selected as model and 10 as pilot. A model solar city was entitled for a grant of Rs. 9.5 crore. “This will help us take up smaller projects for which funding is done immediately,” he said. Mr. Raikar said the corporation had decided to take up at least 30 projects under the initiative.
Keywords: Mysore City