India has achieved significant results in reducing emissions through projects that combine renewable energy, waste management, and green transport solutions in cities.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Nand Pal Singh, Chief Technical Advisor of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), at a panel session titled “Decarbonization of Housing and Buildings in the Context of the Urban-Industrial-Climate Nexus” within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku.
He noted that in India, with a population of 1.4 billion, a 160-gigawatt solar energy system has been installed:
“Solar panels are applied in various facilities, from residential buildings to agricultural areas, metros, and airports.”
The representative stated that within the framework of a project supported by UN-Habitat and the German development bank, a sustainable urban development framework has been developed in the cities of Bhopal, Guntur, Jaipur, Vijayawada, and Mysore.
According to him, reducing greenhouse gases, expanding the use of clean energy sources, and managing waste based on circular economy principles were among the main directions in the projects:
“In some cities, wastewater that was previously discharged into rivers and lakes is now treated and reused in industry.
In India, all industrial enterprises and sewage treatment plants are now obliged to treat their wastewater.”
He also noted that biofuel obtained from bio-waste was previously used in municipal waste collection vehicles that ran on diesel.
The representative cited the project implemented in Guntur city as an example:
“While handcarts were previously used for waste collection in narrow streets, 220 electric three-wheeled vehicles were put into operation within the project.
He added that all the drivers of these vehicles are women who previously worked as sanitation workers:
“This project has contributed to the economic empowerment of women and increased the prestige of labor.
Guntur city was awarded the “green gender-inclusive mobility” award in 2020 for this initiative.”
