2025-02-26 | Vikas Choudhary
Rajasthan Gets Its First 'Green Budget' Focus on Bijli, Sadak, Paani

Introduction
Key Highlights of Rajasthan's Green Budget
1. Focus on Renewable Energy Sector (Bijli)
- Energy Production: Add 5,700 MW, with an additional 10 GW through the private sector.
- Wind and Hybrid Energy Projects: Allocate funds for combined solar and wind projects.
- New Connections:50,000 agriculture and 5 lakh domestic connections.
- Investment in Solar Energy:Expand solar farms and incentivize rooftop installations.
- Subsidies for Green Energy Adoption:Financial benefits for households and businesses adopting solar panels or energy-efficient appliances.
- Use of Bitumen in Road Construction: Implement energy-efficient bitumen technologies.
2. Infrastructure Development (Sadak)
- Highways and Bridges:5,000 crore for construction and repair.
- Greenfield Expressways: Nine expressways at 60,000 crore (Hybrid Annuity Model/BOT).
- Rural Roads: 21,000 km development in phases (10 crore/Assembly, 15crore/desert areas).
- Atal Pragati Path: 500 crore for the first phase covering 150 villages (population > 5,000).
- Eco-Friendly Roads:Use recycled materials (plastic waste, fly ash, VG, CRMB bitumen).
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure:Expand charging stations on highways and in cities.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: Focus on green corridors, non-motorized transport, and urban forestry.
- Increased Use of Bitumen in Road Industry:Promote imported bitumen for high-quality roads.
3. Agriculture and Water Management
- Irrigation Projects: 9,300 crore under Ram Jai Setu Link Pariyojana.
- Subsidies: 1,250 crore for drip/sprinkler irrigation, 900 crore for farm ponds/solar pumps.
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: Increased to ?9,000 annually.
- MSP Increase: 150 per quintal bonus for wheat.
- Global Agri-Tech Meet: To promote agricultural innovation.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Mandatory in new constructions.
- Revival of Traditional Water Bodies: Restoration of lakes, stepwells, and ponds.
- Efficient Irrigation Techniques: Promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation.
4. Regional Development Schemes
- Dang,Magra, Mewat, and Brij Area Development: 100 crore each.
- Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan:Increased to 1,750 crore.
- Aspirational Blocks Development Scheme: New scheme for 35 backward blocks.
5. Urban Development
- Shehri Vikas Yojana: 12,050 crore for sewerage, drainage, sanitation, and waste disposal.
- Pink Toilets: Construction of 500 pink toilets in urban areas.
Economic and Social Benefits of the Green Budget
- Boost to Employment: In renewable energy, green infrastructure, and technology.
- Reduction in Carbon Footprint: Through renewable energy and sustainable transport.
- Increased Quality of Life: Improved air and water quality, better roads, and sustainable urban development.
Challenges and he Way Forward
- Funding and Investment: Securing funds from various sources.
- Public Awareness and Participation: Encouraging adoption of green initiatives.
- Policy Consistency: Long-term commitment and continuity.
- Availability of High-Quality Bitumen on Premium Petro: Reliable bitumen supply for road infrastructure.
Conclusion
Rajasthan's Green Budget is a significant step towards sustainability, balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. Collaboration is key for its successful implementation.
FAQs
- What is the significance of Rajasthan's Green Budget?
Strategic initiative for sustainability through investments in renewable energy, eco-friendly infrastructure, and water conservation. - How will the Green Budget impact daily life in Rajasthan? Improved air/water quality, better roads, green jobs, and increased renewable energy use.
- What measures are included for water conservation? Rainwater harvesting, revival of traditional water bodies,and efficient irrigation.
- How does the Green Budget support electric vehicles? Expansion of charging infrastructure and incentives for EV adoption.
- What role does bitumen play in Rajasthan’s road industry?
Crucial for sustainable and durable road construction, reducing maintenance and environmental impact.