Greener Buildings in Orissa. Govt to consider Solar Power in Building Laws

The Department also seeks to make adherence to energy efficient building code mandatory for obtaining the building plan approval in Urban Local Bodies.

The state government of Odisha may soon make it mandatory for buildings to install solar panels on rooftops by making a provision in the building plan approval.

In support of the new provision, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has submitted a proposal to the government seeking regulations for the inclusion of solar power generation in the building by framing proper law. Adherence to these energy efficient building could result in saving up to 30 percent in power consumption.

Proposed at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, the Department also seeks to make adherence to energy efficient building code mandatory for obtaining the building plan approval in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Initially, the provision will be implemented in Bhubaneswar and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority will be asked to make regulations for the same, sources said.

However, before implementing the move, the state government will first make the Secretariat an energy efficient building. And it is also planning to conduct a study for mapping rooftops in Bhubaneswar for assessing optimum alignment of solar panels in residences by engaging reputed agencies.

To encourage rooftop solar energy project, the government has already launched a subsidy of 30 percent on the total investment for installation of the rooftop solar project. The Department is also planning to formulate an appropriate scheme for effective implementation of the move.

Energy Department sources said the Government has already executed 4 MW rooftop projects in Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The project will be implemented in 17 other cities and towns including Rourkela, Sambalpur, Hirakud, Burla, Puri, Khurda, Berhampur, Chhattrapur, Jeypore, Koraput, Baripada, Balasore and Bhadrak.