Housing societies, malls must reserve 20 per cent parking for e-vehicles in Delhi
Officials believe this step would create a positive trend towards adopting cleaner electric technology, as lack of charging stations remain a hindrance for prospective buyers of e-vehicles
NEW DELHI: The new municipal rules have made it mandatory to reserve 20 per cent of parking space for electric vehicles — with the provision of charging infrastructure — in all future projects, including malls, hospitals, public buildings, housing societies and commercial complexes.
A senior civic official from the building department explained that the reserved parking spots would have to be displayed in the building layout plan, without which approval would not be granted. Officials believe this step would create a positive trend towards adopting cleaner electric technology, as lack of charging stations remain a hindrance for prospective buyers of e-vehicles.
The officials said the proposal in this regard was moved by the Union ministry of power last year, based on future projections that almost 20 per cent of vehicles would be electric in variety. The provision has now been incorporated in the building bylaws of the city and been notified by Delhi Development Authority.
The amendment goes on to add that for all non-residential buildings, including group housing societies, any charging station installed in building premises that caters to commercial mode of charging of e-vehicles, will be deemed as a public charging station and shall have to install the minimum requirements of chargers as specified in the guidelines.
Encouraging adoption of e-vehicles is expected to indirectly help in cutting down carbon emissions of the city. While comparing Indian cities for their emission scores, Delhi is on top as the biggest emitter at over 38 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent overall emissions, followed by Greater Mumbai at 22.7 million tonnes and Chennai at 22.1 million tonnes.
The capital has 85 private cars per 1,000 people, against the national average of 8 cars. In terms of CO2 emissions due to motor vehicles, Delhi emits about 12.4 million tonnes. “Creating more charging infrastructure is seen as a pre-condition for phased migration towards sustainable transportation,” the guidelines state.
The new provisions were also part of Delhi Electric Vehicles Policy. “Once adequate numbers of charging points are present, people will be more inclined to move towards cleaner fuels,” an official said.
Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes
