NEW DELHI: To encourage the use of eco-friendly transportation at a time the city's air is turning increasingly toxic, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has offered to set up charging stations in localities for residents looking to charge electric vehicles.
"RWAs are directed to actively promote the adoption of electric or hybrid vehicles among residents. NDMC shall provide charging stations as per the requirement," an advisory issued by NMDC on Wednesday stated, specifying guidelines to mitigate dust pollution.
An official said NDMC had set a target to install 350 charging stations in areas under its jurisdiction.Out of these, 100 charging stations have already been installed.
"The charging points were established through Energy Efficient Services Limited. Later, NDMC joined hands with three more companies and gave them the task of establishing eight stations each at the identified sites on a pilot basis. While the process is on, we have invited RWAs and market associations to approach us with details of e-vehicles and the requirement for charging stations," the official said, adding that the initiative was part of the council's policy to make NDMC a green zone, reduce pollution and motivate people to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.
"If we find the RWAs' demand satisfying, the application will be forwarded to the committee headed by the chairman. It will give final permission based on the details received and location identified. After assessment, the process for installing the charging points will be taken up without delay," added the official.
While NDMC will arrange everything and the metering will be done as per DERC rate, if an RWA wants to get the charging station installed on its own under the govt scheme and get a subsidy, the council will extend full cooperation, the official said, adding, "We will help them with the sanctioning of load and getting an NoC for the site where the charging points will be installed."
To raise awareness, NDMC plans to share the advisory with all RWAs and market associations in its areas through meetings. "The council is divided into 14 circles and has 14 teams to work on dust mitigation measures as per CAQM guidelines. The teams are in touch with locals and informing them about this project. Assessment of purchase of e-vehicles is also done by PSUs or companies working in this field," said the official.
NDMC has appealed to the public to minimise the use of personal vehicles in favour of public transport, take less congested routes even if slightly longer, avoid dust-generating construction activities from Oct till Jan, and avoid open burning of solid waste and biomass to prevent further deterioration of air quality.