Environment in budget: State aims to increase share of EVs to 10%, to set up 5000 charging stations by 2025

Giving a boost to clean energy, the Maharashtra government has, in its budget 2022-23, focused on its E-vehicle policy, with targets to increase the share of electric vehicles to 10% in new vehicle registrations by 2025

Mumbai: Giving a boost to clean energy, the Maharashtra government has, in its budget 2022-23, focused on its E-vehicle policy, with targets to increase the share of electric vehicles to 10% in new vehicle registrations by 2025 and the share of public transport in major cities to 25%. The state has also targeted construction of 5,000 charging facilities by 2025. Moreover, capital financial assistance will be given for 3000 new environment friendly buses along with for modernisation of 103 bus stands to Maharashtra State Transport Corporation.

Dy CM Ajit Pawar along with CM Uddhav Thackarey and other ministers addresses the media after Budget 2022-23 presentation during the State Budget Session at Vidhan Bhavan, in Mumbai, India, on Friday. (Anshuman Poyrekar/HT PHOTO)

The state has proposed other energy efficient projects as well, including setting up of 577 megawatts solar power projects, in Latur, Dhule, Chandrapur, and Yavatmal. In Mumbai, four substations with a capacity of 400 kilowatts and one highly pressured transmission project have been proposed at the cost of ₹11,530 crore.

To further promote clean energy, the state has also proposed to reduce VAT on natural gas (CNG) from 13.5% to 3%. Natural gas is mainly used in households for piped gas, and as fuel in public transport vehicles such as auto rickshaws, cabs and taxis.

Passengers travelling on waterways have a benefit in tax as well. A waiver of tax imposed by Maharashtra Maritime Board on passengers travelling by waterways has been launched from January 1, 2022. Moreover, the state has proposed several initiatives that will increase interactions of citizens with their environment, as part of cultural tourism. It has been touted by experts as an initiative that will increase awareness about conservation and preservation of the environment. An African safari is proposed at Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo. It is estimated to cost ₹100 crores. Leopard safari is proposed in a 90-hectare forest area of Pune forest department. It is expected to cost ₹60 crore. A tiger safari will be in a 171-hectare forest area adjacent to Chandrapur, along with setting up of a wildlife rescue centre in the same region.

Stalin D, from NGO Vanashakti said, “This is a very good move. Sustainable and responsible tourism gives connections for citizens. It gives them an attachment with what they are trying to protect. As more and more people connect with wildlife, with reasonable controls, we are better able to maintain the integrity of ecological areas. The old school conservation approach has failed miserably so this is a positive way of approaching it.”

While ₹253 crore has been allocated for the environment, ₹150 crore has been given for conservation of 23 rivers in the state. Moreover, a school curriculum on environment subjects will be prepared for the students of class I to VIII to create awareness about environment and climate change.