Delhi govt approves subsidy for eateries, industries that switch to eco-friendly fuel

Both the decisions, aimed at reducing pollution levels in the city, were first announced in this year’s ‘Green Budget’ presented as part of Delhi’s 2018-19 budget by finance minister Manish Sisodia in the Vidhan Sabha in March.

The Delhi government on Tuesday approved a 50% subsidy for hotels and restaurants which shift to eco-friendly fuel instead of using coal in clay ovens. The cabinet, chaired by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, also cleared subsidies up to ₹1 lakh to industries which switch to piped natural gas (PNG).

The cabinet, chaired by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, also cleared subsidies up to ₹1 lakh to industries which switch to piped natural gas. (PTI photo)

Both the decisions, aimed at reducing pollution levels in the city, were first announced in this year’s ‘Green Budget’ presented as part of Delhi’s 2018-19 budget by finance minister Manish Sisodia in the Vidhan Sabha in March.

“A grant of 50% subsidy of the cost or a maximum subsidy of ₹5,000 per tandoor, whichever is less, will be given to the owner/partners/managing director of the restaurants/eating outlets/banquet halls/hotels for replacing/conversion of their coal based tandoors with electricity or gas-based tandoors with effect from April 1 this year,” read a statement from the CM’s office.

However, officers said that eateries which have come up after April 1 or will come up in the future will also be eligible for the subsidy.

“The scheme will also be extended to those units which have taken their connections during 2017-2018. Th Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will be authorised to issue cheques/DD in favour of Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) for the units which switch over to PNG as per the confirmation list provided by IGL. IGL shall transfer the incentive amount in the PNG account of industrial unit with IGL,” the statement said.

Government officials said the DPCC has been authorised for the overall implementation and monitoring of both the schemes. “The DPCC has also been asked to finalise the standard operating procedure (SOP), application form and format of inspection and verification report for processing the cases of subsidy. Approvals for payments of both schemes will be met by the Air Ambience Fund maintained by DPCC,” an advisor to the CM said.