Ayodhya Becomes a Model Solar City

• 02 Aug 2024

Why in News?

Recently, The Uttar Pradesh has achieved a 40 MW power generation capacity through a solar energy plant in Ayodhya.

• Due to which Ayodhya achieved the prestigious designation of a model solar city under the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022.

Key Points

• According to this policy, a solar city is defined as one where renewable energy plants can reduce the estimated total demand for conventional energy by at least 10%.
  • Ayodhya has surpassed this benchmark, achieving double the required capacity.
• The plant was set up by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Green Energy Limited near the Saryu River in the villages of Majha Rampur Halwara and Majha Sarairasi.
  • The state government has leased 165.10 acres of land to NTPC Green Energy Limited for 30 years at the nominal rate of Rs 1 per acre per year to establish a solar power plant project.
  • This plant will be purchased by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) for 25 years at a cost-plus-determined tariff, leading to Ayodhya being declared a model solar city.

Saryu River

• The Saryu is a river that flows through Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
• This river is of ancient significance as it is mentioned in the Vedas and the Ramayana.
• The river is formed at the confluence of rivers Karnali and Mahakali. It is a tributary of River Ganges.
• On Ram Navami, the festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Rama, thousands of people take a dip in the Saryu River at Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)

• Established on 14^th January 2000, as the result of power sector reforms and restructuring in UP which is the focal point of the Power Sector, responsible for planning and managing the sector through its transmission, distribution and supply of electricity.
• It is a professionally managed utility supplying reliable and cost efficient electricity to every citizen of the state.