IIT Kanpur and MES Sign MoU to Achieve Net Zero Emissions in Delhi Cantonment by 2070
New Delhi : The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) and the Military Engineer Services (MES) in Delhi Cantt have joined hands by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transforming Delhi Cantonment into a carbon-neutral Military Station on Monday . This significant collaboration aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious vision of achieving Net Zero Emissions by the year 2070. The MoU was formalized through the signatures of Colonel Praveen Nair, Commander Works Engineer (Utilities) and an IIT Kanpur alumnus, and Professor AR Harish, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Kanpur. Overseeing the project from IIT Kanpur’s side will be Prof. Rajeev Jindal, Prof. Swati Battula, and Prof. Guru Raj from the Department of Sustainable Energy. The MES will be represented by Ajit Kumar, IDSE, Garrison Engineer (Utility) Electric Supply, and Nuruddin, IDSE, Garrison Engineer (Utility) Water Supply of Delhi Cantt.
The MoU encompasses a comprehensive approach to make Delhi Cantonment not only a Net Zero Emission Cantonment but also a generator of Carbon Credits. This ambitious goal will be realized by harnessing the potential of Hybrid Green Technology, which combines Solar Energy, Wind Energy, and Pump Storage Technology for efficient power generation. Additionally, the collaboration will focus on initiatives such as equalizing Ground Water Extraction and aquifer recharge to promote sustainability, adopting Green Technology Construction Materials, and implementing Green Technologies in Sewage Treatment Plants. The project will also explore opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of existing infrastructure.
In light of India’s commitment to sustainable development, as reaffirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recent G-20 conference, the MoU also envisions the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at IIT Kanpur for the effective on-ground implementation of these initiatives. Professor Rajeev Jindal from the Sustainable Energy Engineering Department at IIT Kanpur expressed optimism about achieving the Net Zero Emission goal through the coordination and implementation of existing Green Initiatives in Delhi Cantonment.
The action plan outlined in the MoU is divided into four key components:
(i) Increasing the intake of Green Energy while reducing energy consumption and optimizing usage,
(ii) Reducing dependence on Ground Water Extraction through Rain Water Harvesting and the “Catch the Rain” Campaign,
(iii) Implementing smart technological interventions to alter behavioral patterns and optimize resource usage, and
(iv) Initiatives to transform existing buildings into Net Zero Buildings in accordance with GRIHA Norms or the framework of the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). This collaborative effort between IIT Kanpur and MES Delhi Cantt holds the promise of making Delhi Cantonment a shining example of sustainable and eco-friendly development in line with India’s commitment to global environmental goals
 and the Military Engineer Services (MES) in Delhi Cantt have joined hands by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transforming Delhi Cantonment into a carbon-neutral Military Station on Monday){kind=link}