Sector V to transform into green IT hub with British collaboration

Kolkata: The state govt plans to turn the entire IT hub of Sector V into an eco-friendly township by developing green civic infrastructure, such as the use of battery-driven vehicles, solar rooftop panels, and LED streetlights. Several British firms working on renewable energy are coming forward to help the state govt execute the project.
Govt sources said that Sector V was chosen for a pilot project.Barun Kumar Ray, additional chief secretary of the non-conventional and renewable energy sources department, had recently announced the state's plan to reduce carbon footprints in Sector V, which has several commercial establishments, including the offices of some global companies. Ray announced the state's collaboration with Transport for London, a local govt body of the transport network in the UK, for implementing the project. The Durham Energy Institute also expressed willingness to help with research and development in the renewable energy sector.
Andrew Fleming, British deputy high commissioner, east and northeast India, told TOI, "We are happy working with the West Bengal govt on the UK-supported capacity building programme to set up low emission zones in Kolkata based on best practices from the UK."
Officials of Nabadiganta Industrial Township Authority (NDITA), the urban body looking after Sector V, said that a preliminary discussion was held earlier on how renewable energy could be used more to develop Sector V as an environment-friendly IT township.
"The plan is to promote clean energy resources. If more rooftop solar panels are installed, the energy generated from them could be put into the grid, which could reduce the consumption of conventional electricity. Similarly, the interior lighting of buildings could be converted to solar. Also, emissions would come down if vehicles could be converted into battery or electric-driven cars. These are the steps that could be adopted and promoted to have low carbon emissions," said an NDITA official.
"Everybody is now trying to be carbon neutral. It would be great if the initiative could be taken in Sector V. We will wholeheartedly cooperate in all ways possible to make the initiative a success," said Sector V Stakeholders Association vice-president Kalyan Kar.
Techies working in Sector V also welcomed the initiative. "The load of vehicles has increased in Sector V, and I often face breathing distress due to air pollution and carbon emissions. Sometimes air pollution triggers visibility issues, and several motorists like me face problems while being at the wheel of their cars," said Rupanwita Roy, a techie who works in Sector V.
NDITA has been taking initiatives to promote clean energy in Sector V. Cycle tracks have been demarcated, and cycle stands are being set up in a few strategic locations. A plan was in place to install a grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant on the rooftops of some of the cycle stands.