IT & PR Minister K Taraka Rama Rao has launched a five-point retrofitting programme that aims at making the buildings and surroundings of Cyberabad area ‘green’. Retrofitting, generally, refers to the addition of new technology or features to older systems. In the present case, it means adding new eco-friendly features to older establishments.
The programme is being coordinated by Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) and Indo-German Environment Partnership Cell of Deutsche Gesellschaftfur Internationale Zusammernarbeit (GIZ).
The five-point agenda programme includes making the existing buildings green and barrier-free for the physically challenged, waste management (both solid and e-waste) in industrial parks, promotion of ‘cycle-to-work’, increasing green cover in the zone and storm-water management along with rain water harvesting.
IT firms Tech Mahindra, iLabs, Phoenix and Wave Rock have signed a declaration of intent on adopting the retrofitting strategies. The IT Minister later announced that his government would support such companies with an assistance of Rs.5 lakh for appointment of consultants and experts on these subjects.
Speaking on promoting green cover for the city and adoption of environment-friendly concepts, KTR quipped, “We in Hyderabad want to go so green that other metro cities go green with envy.”
He reminded the Government’s plans to plant 200 Crore saplings in next 3 years and the examination of a proposal to construct a Cycling Track alongside the Outer Ring Road adjoining the service road to hold international cycling events or competitions.
TSIIC has partnered with NASCOM Foundation, Confederation of Indian Industry Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre (CII Godrej GBC), Forest Department of Government of Telangana, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Ground Water Department of Government of Telangana State, Hyderabad Bicycling Club (HBC), Indentcity and Society for Rural Awakening and Community Organisation (SRACO) for this program.