The Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department has announced urban reforms for a greener future, including a push for energy conservation measures in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and preparation of PPP-based EV charging and shared e-mobility proposals in major cities.

After the Council of Ministers approved the Andhra Pradesh State Action Plan on Resource Conservation and Self-Reliance on May 14, an action plan has been developed to reduce avoidable consumption of electricity and fuel, promote self-reliance, fast-track electric mobility, according to a release from the department.

Noting that ULBs are among the largest consumers of publicly funded energy, the department has directed all Municipal Commissioners and Urban Development Authorities to take up a State-wide energy conservation drive covering street lighting, municipal buildings, water supply and sewerage pumping stations, and others.

The Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration has been directed to commission an energy audit of all ULBs in the State. The audit, which will be taken up in phases, will establish energy baselines, identify inefficiencies, quantify avoidable waste and recommend cost-effective corrective measures.

Emphasis has been placed on street light optimisation, elimination of day-burning streetlights, rationalisation of feeder pillars, conversion of remaining non-LED fittings, dimming of lights during low-traffic night hours and restriction of decorative lighting. The department has also directed ULBs to enforce energy-saving measures in municipal offices and public buildings.

The Commissioner has also been instructed to identify cycle track proposals in Tirupati, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, to promote cleaner urban transport.

The MA&UD Department has directed the Commissioner to prepare a proposal for operationalising EV charging stations in PPP mode across ULBs. This proposal will build on the G.O.Rt.No.499, issued on April 30 under the operational framework of the A.P. Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0.

Under this, five model e-mobility cities, including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Nellore and Tirupati, will receive ₹50 crore each. ULBs may provide land or space, electricity connection facilitation, metering support, right-of-way clearances and single-window municipal approvals, while private partners will invest in charging equipment, operations, maintenance, billing systems, insurance and performance guarantees, according to the release.

The Commissioner has also been asked to prepare a proposal for piloting shared e-scooter and e-bike mobility services in the five model cities after studying international models.