Introduction

Rajasthan Gets Its First 'Green Budget' Focus on Bijli, Sadak, Paani

Rajasthan has taken a bold step towards sustainability by introducing its first-ever 'Green Budget.' This initiative focuses on three key areas: electricity (Bijli), roads (Sadak), and water (Paani). With a vision to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development, this budget aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and ensure responsible resource management.

Why Rajasthan's Green Budget Matters

Climate change is a pressing issue that affects every aspect of our lives. From rising temperatures to erratic rainfall patterns, Rajasthan, being a dry and arid state, faces unique environmental challenges. The introduction of the Green Budget aims to tackle these issues head-on by emphasizing renewable energy, eco-friendly infrastructure, and water conservation.

Key Highlights of Rajasthan's Green Budget

1. Focus on Renewable Energy Sector(Bijli)
   

The energy sector is set to receive a major boost with the following initiatives:

• Energy Production: The state plans to add 5,700 MW of energy production, with an additional 10 GW to be produced through the private sector.

• New Connections: 50,000 new agriculture connections and 5 lakh domestic connections will be provided to ensure widespread access to electricity.

• Investment in Solar Energy: Rajasthan, already a leader in solar power, plans to expand solar farms and incentivize rooftop solar installations for households and industries.

• Wind and Hybrid Energy Projects: To diversify its energy portfolio, the budget allocates funds for hybrid energy projects combining solar and wind power.

• Subsidies for Green Energy Adoption: Households and businesses adopting solar panels or energy-efficient appliances will receive financial benefits.

• Use of Bitumen in Road Construction: The government plans to implement energy-efficient bitumen technologies in infrastructure development, reducing environmental impact.

2. Infrastructure Development (Sadak)

• Highways and Bridges: Over ?5,000 crore has been allocated for the construction and repair of state highways, bypass roads, ?yovers, and bridges.

• Green?eld Expressways: Nine Green?eld Expressways will be developed at a cost of approximately ?60,000 crore, using the Hybrid Annuity Model/Build

Operate Transfer model.

• Rural Roads: 21,000 km of non-patchable roads will be developed in phases, with

?10 crore allocated for each Assembly constituency and ?15 crore for desert areas.

• Atal Pragati Path: Rural towns with a population of over 5,000 will receive an Atal Pragati Path, with ?500 crore allocated for the ?rst phase covering 150 villages.

• Eco-Friendly Roads: The state will use recycled materials like plastic waste and fly ash in road construction to minimize environmental impact.The state will use recycled materials like plastic waste, fly ash, and bitumen variants such as VG (Viscosity Graded) and CRMB (Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen) in road construction to enhance durability and sustainability.

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure: Rajasthan aims to boost EV adoption by expanding charging stations along highways and in major cities.

• Sustainable Urban Planning: Focus on green corridors, non-motorized transport, and urban forestry to enhance air quality and reduce congestion.
  

• Increased Use of Bitumen in Road Industry: The budget promotes the use of imported bitumen suppliers to ensure high-quality and durable road construction.

3. Agriculture and Water Management

• Irrigation Projects: ?9,300 crore has been allocated under the Ram Jai Setu Link Pariyojana for irrigation projects.

• Subsidies: Subsidies worth ?1,250 crore for drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, and ?900 crore for farm ponds and solar pumps.

• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: The annual support under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has been increased to ?9,000.

• MSP Increase: The bonus over the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat has been increased by ?150 per quintal.

• Global Agri-Tech Meet: A Global Rajasthan Agri-Tech Meet will be organized to promote agricultural innovation.

• Rainwater Harvesting: Mandating rainwater harvesting systems in new constructions to address water scarcity.

• Revival of Traditional Water Bodies: Restoration of lakes, stepwells, and ponds to improve groundwater levels.

• Efficient Irrigation Techniques: Promotion of drip and sprinkler irrigation to reduce water wastage in agriculture.

Regional Development Schemes

Several regional development schemes have been announced to ensure balanced growth across the state:

• Dang, Magra, Mewat, and Brij Area Development: ?100 crore each has been allocated for the development of these regions.

• Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan: The budget for these plans has been increased to ?1,750 crore.

• Aspirational Blocks Development Scheme: A new scheme has been introduced for the most backward 35 blocks of the state.

5. Urban Development

Urban areas will see signi?cant improvements with the following initiatives:

• Shehri Vikas Yojana: ?12,050 crore has been allocated for sewerage, drainage, sanitation, and waste disposal under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Shehri Vikas Yojana.

• Pink Toilets: Construction of 500 pink toilets in urban areas to improve sanitation facilities.
  

Economic and Social Benefits of the Green Budget

Boost to Employment

• Expansion of the renewable energy sector will create thousands of jobs in solar and wind energy projects.

• Green infrastructure initiatives will generate employment in construction, maintenance, and technology development.

Reduction in Carbon Footprint

• By shifting to renewable energy and sustainable transport, Rajasthan aims to cut down its dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Increased Quality of Life

• Improved air and water quality, better roads, and sustainable urban development will contribute to a healthier and more livable environment.

Challenges and the Way Forward

While the Green Budget is a significant step, its success depends on effective implementation. Challenges include:

• Funding and Investment: Securing adequate funds from government bodies, private sectors, and international agencies.

• Public Awareness and Participation: Encouraging citizens and industries to actively adopt green initiatives.

• Policy Consistency: Ensuring long-term commitment and policy continuity beyond political terms.

• Availability of High-Quality Bitumen on Premium Petro: The road industry depends on reliable bitumen importers and suppliers to meet infrastructure demands.

Conclusion

Rajasthan's first Green Budget is a game-changer in India's sustainability journey. By focusing on Bijli, Sadak, and Paani, the state is paving the way for a greener future. However, collaboration between the government, businesses, and citizens is crucial to turn this vision into reality. As Rajasthan moves forward, its success could serve as a model for other states aiming to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of Rajasthan's Green Budget?

Rajasthan's Green Budget is a strategic initiative to promote sustainability by investing in renewable energy, eco-friendly infrastructure, and water conservation.

2. How will the Green Budget impact daily life in Rajasthan?

It will improve air and water quality, provide better roads, increase green jobs, and promote the use of renewable energy, leading to an overall improved quality of life.

3. What measures are included for water conservation?

The budget includes rainwater harvesting mandates, revival of traditional water bodies, and efficient irrigation techniques to combat water scarcity.

4. How does the Green Budget support electric vehicles?

It plans to expand EV charging infrastructure and offer incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles in Rajasthan.

5. What role does bitumen play in Rajasthan’s road industry?

Bitumen, including VG and CRMB, is crucial for sustainable and durable road construction, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.

By adopting these green initiatives, Rajasthan is setting an example for sustainable growth while addressing its unique environmental challenges.