Sat May 03 15:26:45 UTC 2025: **Odisha Governor Leads Green Initiative, Converts Raj Bhawan to Net-Zero Energy Campus**
BHUBANESWAR, INDIA (May 3, 2025) – Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati is spearheading a significant green initiative, transitioning most of Raj Bhawan’s official fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) and aiming to make the governor’s residence a net-zero energy campus. This ambitious plan reflects a strong commitment to reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting sustainable energy practices.
The governor’s efforts include the procurement of EV scooters for Raj Bhawan employees and the encouragement of staff to adopt EVs. A 150-kilowatt solar power plant is already operational on the premises, with plans to add another 400 kilowatts, significantly reducing the campus’s reliance on the electricity grid. Governor Kambhampati anticipates Raj Bhawan eventually becoming a net energy producer.
He urged citizens to embrace green energy, highlighting the environmental benefits and potential for reducing India’s reliance on imported crude oil. The governor praised the state government’s additional subsidy under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, designed to incentivize solar energy adoption.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who oversees the energy portfolio, announced the state government’s policy to power all government buildings with solar energy, including the installation of solar panels in government residential quarters. This initiative underscores Odisha’s broader commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
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