Gujarat likely to make solar power compulsory for new buildings

The state government is planning to make it compulsory for all new buildings to have solar power generating units and rainwater harvesting systems installed on them. For this, the government may make changes in the existing General Development Control & Regulation (GDCR) rules, which will apply to buildings mainly in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

Highly placed sources in the state government said that, as part of its ‘Green Gujarat’ efforts, the government had decided to make it mandatory for all new buildings (residential, commercial and government property) to provide for solar power generation and rainwater harvesting.

“The forest & environment department has suggested to the urban development department that the existing GDCR rules be changed to make rainwater harvesting and use of solar electricity compulsory,” a source said.

Principal secretary, forest & environment department, SK Nanda, confirmed the news, and said several new initiatives like this may be launched over the next few years to tackle problems arising out of climate change. Sources said the government is working on another major policy initiative for “urban greening”. It is likely to make it mandatory to have at least one tree per 100 sq ft of construction.