Pune: The Airport Authority of India (AAI) remains committed to preserve the environment and to make airports greener across the country. In addition to commissioning the 300-KW solar power unit, a vertical green wall has been installed in the arrival hall of Pune airport.
“We have done this in association with Sancheti Hospital. We are coming up with two more such walls and some green initiatives inside the terminal building area. It is not only good from the aesthetic point of view but also from the environment point of view,” Ajay Kumar, Director of Pune airport told Sakal Times.
The AAI published an Expression of Interest recently. “In order to ensure a healthy environment as well as better ecological and an aesthetic look of the airport terminal, especially in the inner area, a natural air purifier plant will be placed at different locations and by setting up vertical wall or garden at strategic locations,” read the tender notification.
Dr Parag Sancheti said, “The initiative was taken by us to create a healthy environment. The wall at the arrival area is completed. We will take it up to other areas very soon.”
Air passengers expressed happiness over the new initiative of the airport. “After de-boarding an aircraft, the moment passengers enter the arrival area they sense a spirit of rejuvenation after seeing the walls decorated with lush green leaves,” said Atul Prasad, a frequent flier at the Pune airport.
In March this year, 2,600 Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) were installed at the airport, which resulted in decreasing the load from 192KW to 80KW.
AAI Regional Executive Director Keshav Sharma inaugurated the solar plant on the hanger building, which is the first-of-its-kind in India. The 931, an anti-reflecting special type of panel, is running with six inverters.
The panel generated 40,500 units in May. Thus, the airport saved around Rs 4.5 lakh worth electricity in May. Officials expect that the cost of the panel will be recovered within 30 months. Around 2,600 LEDs were installed at the airport in March, leading to reduced electricity consumption. The plan is to light up the entire facility with solar power.
However, the conventional power supply will remain an alternative.
