Efforts to promote the use of green energy implemented across eight airports in Maharashtra

With an aim to encourage green energy at airports in India, officials and bodies including Airports Authority of India (AAI) have installed solar power plants under net metering or captive mode. This has been implemented at various locations for generation and self-consumption of green and renewable energy. 

In addition, few airports are procuring green energy through open access. The State/UT-wise details of the airports where solar plants have been installed are at Annexure. 

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken initiatives for working towards Carbon neutrality and achieving net zero carbon emission at airports in the country and organized knowledge sharing sessions to standardise Carbon Accounting and Reporting framework of Indian Airports as well as to create awareness on Climate Change mitigation. 

Furthermore, airport operators with scheduled operations have been advised to map the carbon emission at their respective airports and to work towards carbon neutrality & net zero emission in a phased manner.

As per reports, officials have implemented the same across airports in Gondia, Juhu, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Pune, CSMIA Mumbai, Shirdi and Nashik. Information regarding the same was submitted as a reply by  Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd).

Besides this, the minister also stated that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in the country, in consultation with other concerned agencies and stakeholders have reviewed the security systems at airports from time to time and upgraded the same as per requirement.

The following state of the art technologies are in place or initiated for upgradation of security system at the airports:-

• Centralized Access Control System: This initiative is launched for issuance of biometric enabled smart card based Airport Entry Permit (AEP) and Radio Frequency Identity (RFID) based automated vehicle access control system, according to the terminal, zone and gate for secured and regulated access of employee/staff and airport vehicle.
• Installation of Body Scanner at airports in a phased manner.
• Digi Yatra: Policy launched by Ministry of Civil Aviation in August, 2018, intends to provide seamless and hassle-free passenger experience at Indian airports, without the need for verification of ticket and ID at multiple touch points.
• Radiological Detection Equipment (RDE): BCAS has issued an AVSEC Circular No. 01/2020 on Standard Operating Procedure for operationalization of RDE at Indian airports to prevent the radiological emergencies.
• Counter Drones/Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Systems: Recently, circular has been issued by BCAS laying down specifications for detection and neutralization of UAVs at airports.