Going Green: How Rajasthan is Setting an Example in Sustainability for Others to Follow?

Rajasthan, a vibrant state with a rich cultural heritage and state of incredible landscapes is surfacing as a sustainability hub in India.  Our country is on a path to diminishing the usage of fossil fuels and is focusing on adopting renewable energy.

Aligning with the country’s ambition, Rajasthan has embarked on embracing sustainability in a big way and is making waves in terms of promoting eco-friendly practices and preserving the environment The Indian government has set a phenomenal goal of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

The state focuses on energy storage to manage high renewable energy penetration in the grid. With climate change becoming a burning global challenge, Rajasthan is epitomizing how regions that are arid and have a dearth of resources can thrive by adopting sustainable solutions.

Let us look at how Rajasthan is inspiring millions

1. Mobilizing Solar Power

One of the steps towards sustainability in Rajasthan worth mentioning is the state’s trailblazing work in solar energy. The land of emperors with abundant sunlight is evolving as a leader in India’s Solar Energy revolution. Rajasthan is aiming for 30 GW of solar power by 2025 and beyond.

2. Key Projects

One of the landmark solar power projects is the Bhadla Solar Park with an installed capacity of 2,245 GigaWatts, it is the largest in India and among the largest in the world. Other regions like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner substantially contribute to the state’s solar capacity with significant solar projects in their kitty.

3. Government Policies and Initiatives

The Rajasthan government has a vital role in accentuating the development of solar power. A policy like the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023, includes a seamless approval process, fantastic subsidies and great incentives for small projects like rooftop solar installations and large-scale projects.

4. Harnessing the Power of Wind

Rajasthan besides being a major hub in generating solar power is also a leading state that has large centres for the generation of wind power in the country. From 2022-2923 the state became a leader in implementing fresh wind power projects in India.  Let us explore the different facets of wind energy generation in the state:

The gorgeous city of Jaisalmer popularly known as the “Golden City” is not only a famous tourist destination but also home to the remarkable Jaisalmer Wind Park, India’s second-largest wind farm and the fourth-largest operational onshore wind farm in the world. The renewable energy sector in Rajasthan has grown exponentially over the years with a total renewable energy capacity of 27,937.04 MW as of May 2024 and the total wind energy installed in Rajasthan is 5,236 MW.

The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Policy, 2023 aims to have a combined wind-solar power generation capacity of 15 GW by 2030. This is a boost to the sector as it enhances the wind power projects to be offered for sale to the state distribution companies (DISCOMs) and usage within the state.

Another crucial policy is the Rajasthan Wind and Hybrid Energy Policy, 2019 which looks at increasing energy security and equity, reduction in carbon emissions and protection of consumer interests.

5. Water Conservation

The water scarcity aspect of Rajasthan is known to all. This persistent challenge has been alleviated to a certain extent with the state taking steps to manage its water resources.  The state has implemented rainwater harvesting techniques successfully to conserve every drop of water and utilize it to the maximum.

One important project that the state has initiated is the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). It is an ambitious project to harvest the excess water present in the rivers, especially in the southern region of Rajasthan and to utilize that water for drinking and irrigation purposes in water scarcity-stricken south-eastern Rajasthan.

It looks to facilitate intra-basin water transfer within the Chambal Basin by using surplus monsoon water from the Kalisindh, Parvati, Mej, and Chakan sub-basins and redirecting it to the water-scarce sub-basins of Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga, and Parbati. This will supply drinking and industrial water to 13 districts in eastern Rajasthan.

The revival of traditional water conservation methods in Rajasthan like the Johad system is another step towards water conservation. Traditional water tanks used in the desert are essentially designed to collect rainwater and recharge groundwater supplies. Simultaneously, innovative solutions like water-efficient irrigation systems and the reuse of treated wastewater are also being continuously promoted in agriculture.

6. Sustainability in Agriculture

Organic farming has been a boon in Rajasthan’s agricultural sector; however, it is dependent on seasonal rainfall. The state has experienced roadblocks in adopting sustainable practices due to a lack of rainfall. However, the government has been supportive of shifting towards organic farming through, training programs, varied subsidies and market access.

Crops are being cultivated by farmers in methods that preserve soil health, reduce the use of harmful chemicals and enhance biodiversity. One of the important sustainable farming practices adopted by the government is the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) technique, which emphasizes eliminating chemical fertilizers and using local, natural inputs. A strong movement towards organic farming, water-efficient practices, and sustainable pest control has been prevalent in the state.

Another interesting concept that the state is promoting is agroforestry, where trees and crops are planted to improve the fertility of the land preventing soil erosion and helping farmers with additional sources of income.

7. Converting Waste into Resources

Like other cities across the globe, waste management is a constant challenge for Rajasthan as well.  But who could imagine? Aandhi, a tiny village in the district of Jaipur, is turning itself into a zero-waste model with green technology interventions. The recently installed slew of technological interventions will now convert wastes being produced from various village sources to resources,

The technological interventions include Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plants, Vermifiltration Technology, Constructed Wetlands, resource recovery centres, etc offering socially relevant initiatives that work towards shaping a zero-waste model. The project is setting an example for other villages by leveraging advanced green technologies so that they can replicate it and contribute towards a greener and sustainable future.

8. Sustainable Tourism

The tourism sector in Rajasthan has always been booming and is one of the largest contributors to our economy. However, with a spike in tourist inflow, there Is always a risk of environmental degradation and overconsumption of resources. The state has taken a plethora of initiatives to address these challenges and is promoting sustainable tourism practices like never before and the priority is specifically conservation of the environment, preservation of culture and local communities.

Eco-tourism initiatives have been implemented by The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) to ensure responsible travel. These initiatives entail the promotion of rural tourism, eco-friendly hotels, and adventure tourism activities. The motto is to have a minimal environmental impact, and interestingly local communities are actively participating in these initiatives, fostering a well-preserved future for the upcoming generations.

9. Cities Going Green

A Green City is a unique concept that aims to transform cities into environment-friendly hubs that prioritize sustainability. Urban centres in Rajasthan like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, are beginning to adopt sustainable urban planning. The concept is gaining momentum as new buildings with designs incorporating energy-efficient systems are being built. Systems like rainwater harvesting and waste recycling facilities are being integrated into construction plans.

Jaipur is on a spree to expand green spaces like parks and gardens for enhanced air quality along with creating a more sustainable urban landscape by developing pedestrian-friendly streets and the promotion of cycling.

10. Empowerment of Local Communities

Rajasthan’s diligence towards sustainability is about environmental conservation by empowering people and communities by facilitating education and skill-building initiatives. By investing strategically in sustainable livelihoods, the state is empowering local communities to be experts in areas like organic farming, eco-tourism, and renewable energy.

These efforts apart from promoting economic growth ensure that the profit of sustainable practices reaches the grassroot level, positively impacting both the environment and the individuals in the long term.

Women’s empowerment programs have also gained traction in Rajasthan and have proven to be astoundingly effective. As sustainability is the buzzword in all regions of the state, the women have left no stone unturned in engaging in sustainable practices, from the collection and sale of organic produce to the management of eco-friendly businesses, they are doing it all. Along with supporting the local economy, the initiatives contribute to gender equality and the welfare of the entire community.

Rajasthan’s roadmap towards sustainability is certainly exemplary and is a model that other regions should adopt. With the correct blend of government support, participation of stakeholders and communities and innovative ideas, our journey towards attaining carbon neutrality will become easy.

By prioritizing sustainable practices, investing in green technologies, and fostering collaboration across sectors sustainability is highly achievable. If Rajasthan has demonstrated that even in extremely challenging environments, innovative solutions can be adopted benefiting the people and the planet so can everyone.