WBREDA to persuade municipalities to switch to solar power

Kolkata, Aug 24 (UNI) In order to check the growing level of pollution in the state, West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA) is planning to offer incentives to persuade municipalities to switch to solar power on a large scale.

State Power Minister Mrinal Banerjee would convene a meeting of municipality chairpersons at Bidyut Bhavan on August 30 in this regard.

''We will urge the municipalities to pay special attention to solar power. We will also propose some incentives for the users,'' WBREDA Director S P Gan Chowdhury said.

He said that chairpersons of at least 70 municipalities would attend the meeting.

The municipalities would be asked to sanction plans of those buildings that would use solar power.

''The process has already been started by the other states. The central government, too, offers subsidy to users of solar power. If the municipalities get into the act, everyone will benefit,'' said Gan Chowdhury.

He said not only individuals, but municipalities, too, can avail of rebates by using solar-powered gadgets. Some of the items the municipalities can use include street lamps and traffic signals that run on solar energy. A 50 per cent discount is offered on these items.

''Use of these gadgets will help reduce the Power Bill. Moreover, if they switch to solar power, the municipalities will never face the problem of power cuts,'' he said.

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