Tirupati identified for ‘low-carbon footprint' project

The temple city of Tirupati in southern Andhra Pradesh has been identified as “most favourable” to be developed as a ‘low-carbon footprint city' by European Aid and Development, which works under the European Commission.

Visited by more than 60,000 tourists on lean days and close to one lakh during the peak festive seasons, Tirupati is likely to secure a place under the ‘religious tourism' category. The other categories under consideration are cities of industrial, administrative and technical importance.

The project will have the Union Ministries of Environment and Forests, New and Renewable Energies and Urban Development as stakeholders, besides voluntary organisations and aid agencies.

The thrust will be on putting in place energy-efficient measures and eco-business ventures to bring down emissions to make the cities leave a ‘low-carbon footprint.' The selection process hinges on two aspects: voluntary participation by the cities and their financial capability. The European Commission will hold deliberations at the national level, plan strategies at the State level and implement the ideas at the local level.

Milan Jezic von Gesseneck, an independent consultant and expert in energy, environment and infrastructure, had an interaction with officials of the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati on Thursday. Incidentally, Tirupati is the first city he visited as part of his search for ‘voluntary takers.' He said emphasis would be laid on capacity-building of participants and bringing the best technologies and management practices from Europe to India. A sum of €20 million would be spent on the selected cities in India, with an equal apportionment to eco-business and renewable energy aspects.

“Tirupati, with an extensive focus on religious tourism, is similar to any city in France, and will fit a similarly designed module. The concept will be prepared to satisfy the visiting tourists and to earn revenue for the stakeholders,” Mr. Gesseneck told The Hindu.

A workshop will be held in New Delhi in May, with the participation of representatives from 20 towns and cities.