UK body in collab with state to transform Sec V into low-emission zone
Times of India | 21 November 2024
Kolkata: Transport for London, a UK govt body overseeing London's transport network, is collaborating with Bengal govt to transform Sector V into a low-carbon emission zone. The announcement was made by Barun Kumar Ray, additional chief secretary of the non-conventional and renewable energy sources department, at an energy conclave organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region on Wednesday.
Ray said that 900 launches carrying tourists in the Sundarbans will transition to CNG, while the boats of 41 ferry ghats in the area will be powered by electricity instead of fossil fuels. Additionally, petrol-powered boats used by the forest department will use electric motors.
Several British firms specialising in renewable energy expressed interest in starting operations in Kolkata during the conclave. Md Ghulam Rabbani, state minister of non-conventional and renewable energy sources, said that Bengal is actively seeking investments and collaborations with British companies in this sector. "The renewable energy capacity in Bengal has seen 25% growth over the last three years. The 1,000-megawatt floating solar project currently underway in Purulia will further boost the state's renewable energy sector," said Rabbani.
Currently, three British firms — GreenEnco, Energy Aspects and GQS — are operating in Kolkata in the renewable energy domain and are planning to expand their businesses further in the city.
The Durham Energy Institute has also expressed interest in engaging in research and development in Bengal, according to the institute's executive director Simone Abram.
Andrew Fleming, British deputy high commissioner to east and northeast India, said, "It has been a pleasure working with Bengal govt on the UK-supported capacity building programme to set up low emission zones in Kolkata based on best practices from the UK, delivered by CENEX UK. And it would be great to see the implementation of the recommendations that can hugely reduce air pollution and carbon emissions."