The Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) has taken a significant step towards promoting green mobility by ordering 100 e-bikes for its employees engaged in field work. This initiative aims to reduce the daily consumption of petrol and diesel, which is estimated to be between 300 and 400 litres, while also cutting carbon emissions and pollution effectively.
VDA Vice-Chairman's Statement
Purna Bora, Vice-Chairman of the VDA, stated that over 90% of the authority's officials and employees are involved in field activities, leading to substantial fuel consumption. To address this, the VDA is planning to provide institutional benefits for purchasing electric vehicles. In the first phase of this drive, an order has been placed for 100 e-bikes.
Incentives and Support for Employees
Alongside motivating employees to purchase e-vehicles, the VDA is working to secure institutional discounts from various e-vehicle companies and dealers. Steps are also being taken to coordinate with banks and financial institutions to provide easy loan facilities at low interest rates. Officials are focusing on e-bikes due to the city's topography, which makes two-wheelers more convenient for daily commuting, field inspections, enforcement, project monitoring, and other departmental work.
Awareness and Infrastructure Development
To encourage employees, the VDA is raising awareness about the benefits offered under state and central government schemes, including subsidies on e-vehicles and exemptions on road tax and registration fees. Additionally, e-vehicle charging stations are being developed at the authority's main and zonal offices, which will also be accessible to the general public.
Previous Green Initiatives in Varanasi
Prior to the VDA's decision, BJP City South MLA Neelkanth Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal promoted green mobility by riding e-scooters. Mayor Ashok Tiwari walked to his office, educational institutions declared no-vehicle days, and authorities rode bicycles. These actions followed an appeal by local MP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to voluntarily reduce petrol and diesel consumption to support the country's energy security amidst ongoing conflicts in West Asia.
