AP Launches Urban Green Drive With EV Push
Municipal corporations and selection-grade municipalities will be covered in the first phase.
Vijayawada:The Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department has launched a major urban reform initiative aimed at promoting energy conservation, electric mobility and sustainable transport systems across cities and towns in the state.
In a parallel move, the MA&UD Department has directed the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA) to prepare PPP-based proposals for EV charging stations and shared e-bike and e-scooter services in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Nellore and Tirupati, identified as Model E-Mobility Cities. The AP government issued the orders on Tuesday.
The proposals include charging stations in municipal spaces, dedicated cycle tracks and app-based shared mobility systems with provisions for rider safety, docking zones, parking regulation and real-time monitoring.
The measures are part of the Andhra Pradesh State Action Plan on Resource Conservation and Self-Reliance approved by the State Cabinet on May 14. The initiative aims to reduce avoidable electricity and fuel consumption, strengthen municipal finances and promote climate-conscious urban governance.
The department directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), municipal corporations and urban development authorities to implement an extensive energy conservation drive covering streetlights, municipal buildings, pumping stations, vehicle fleets, rooftop solar systems and non-motorised transport infrastructure.
A statewide phased energy audit will be conducted for street lighting, water treatment plants, sewage systems and municipal vehicles to identify wastage and improve efficiency. Municipal corporations and selection-grade municipalities will be covered in the first phase.
The government also ordered elimination of day-burning streetlights, conversion of remaining non-LED lights, restriction of decorative illumination and maintenance of air-conditioning temperatures at a minimum of 24°C in public buildings.
ULBs have been instructed to improve efficiency in water supply and sewerage pumping operations and prepare plans for gradual replacement of diesel-powered municipal vehicles with electric vehicles.
MA&UD minister Ponguru Narayana said the initiatives would help build cleaner, smarter and citizen-friendly cities.
