Srinagar's Path to Becoming the World's First Energy-Efficient Tourist Capital
VIJAYAWADA: The success of Visakhapatnam’s pioneering LED street lighting project, which became a national model for energy-efficient urban transformation, has achieved prominence with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) unveiling its proposal to support Jammu and Kashmir in transforming Srinagar into the world’s first “Energy-Efficient Tourist Capital.”
EESL, a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Power, has submitted the comprehensive roadmap to Mandeep Kaur, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, and Satish Chandra, Chairman of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), J&K. The plan outlines the adoption of global best-in-class energy efficiency technologies across rural and urban regions, highlighting opportunities from J&K’s rapidly expanding development landscape.
Mandeep Kaur emphasised that the Union Territory is entering a phase of high energy demand, electric mobility, and booming tourism. With real GSDP growth of 7.06% in 2024-25, and a record 2.36 crore tourist arrivals last year, she said energy efficiency is the most immediate and affordable strategy to strengthen power reliability, improve service delivery, and reduce carbon emissions.
Satish Chandra recalled how Visakhapatnam, in partnership with EESL, became the first city to retrofit one lakh LED streetlights within a month after Cyclone Hudhud in 2014. Vizag’s success attracted global recognition from BRICS nations, and inspired adoption in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Nationwide, over 1.30 crore LED streetlights have since been installed, saving Rs 6,000 crore annually, and cutting 6.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Officials believe Srinagar can replicate Vizag’s model, and emerge as the world’s first “Energy-Efficient Tourist Capital.”
The transformation of Srinagar into an energy-efficient tourist capital is not just a step towards sustainability but also a significant economic opportunity. By adopting energy-efficient practices, the city can reduce operational costs, enhance the tourist experience, and attract more visitors. This initiative aligns with the global trend of sustainable tourism, where destinations are increasingly focusing on minimizing their environmental impact while maximizing the benefits to the local community.
The EESL proposal includes a detailed plan for the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in various sectors, including transportation, hospitality, and public infrastructure. The adoption of electric vehicles, energy-efficient lighting, and smart grids are key components of the plan. These measures are expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the city, making it a model for other tourist destinations around the world.
Moreover, the project is expected to create numerous job opportunities in the renewable energy and tourism sectors, contributing to the economic growth of the region. The collaboration between EESL and the local authorities in J&K demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable development and a vision for a greener future.
In conclusion, the ambitious plan to transform Srinagar into the world’s first energy-efficient tourist capital is a testament to the potential of innovative solutions in addressing environmental and economic challenges. By drawing inspiration from the success of Visakhapatnam, Srinagar is poised to set a new benchmark in sustainable urban development and tourism.
