MP L.K. Sudheesh raises questions in Rajya Sabha regarding green energy use at airports and urban flood management
New Delhi:
Rajya Sabha Member L.K. Sudheesh raised significant questions in the House concerning the use of green energy at airports and urban flood management. The Central Government provided detailed responses to these queries.
Green Energy at Airports
In his reply, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that measures are being taken in a phased manner for all operational airports and newly established greenfield airports in the country to achieve carbon-neutral and net-zero targets.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other airport operators have increased their use of renewable energy. Currently, 106 airports across the country (99 AAI-operated and 7 non-AAI) are utilizing 100% renewable electricity, primarily sourced through solar power and green energy procurement.
Furthermore, the Central Government noted that technical and financial assistance is being provided under the ‘PM Surya Ghar’ scheme, and investments in green energy are being factored into tariff determinations for major airports.
Urban Flood Management
In another question, L.K. Sudheesh sought details regarding the measures taken for flood management, specifically in cities like Chennai.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu responded to this. He stated that while flood management is primarily the responsibility of state governments, the Central Government continues to provide financial and technical support.
He mentioned that 838 stormwater drainage projects, valued at over ₹3,000 crore, have been implemented across the country under the AMRUT scheme. It was reported that while stormwater drainage projects were not undertaken in Tamil Nadu under the AMRUT scheme, works involving the renovation of hundreds of parks, green spaces, and water bodies have been carried out under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme.
Urban Flood Risk Management Programme
The Central Government also provided details regarding the Urban Flood Risk Management Programme (UFRMP), which is being implemented under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.
Under this initiative, ₹500 crore has been allocated to each of the major cities—including Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata—and Tier-II cities have been included in the second phase.
The government also stated that SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) technology has been integrated in Chennai to monitor reservoirs in real-time and provide early warnings during periods of heavy rainfall.
Responses provided in Parliament reveal that the Central Government’s key objectives include expanding the use of green energy in the aviation sector and strengthening infrastructure to mitigate the impact of urban flooding, in order to address the challenges posed by climate change.