The government of India has approved a master plan to develop 36 cities as solar or green cities.

The project is part of the initiative programme -'Development of Solar Cities'- which is being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Under the programme, a total of 60 cities and towns have been proposed to be supported for development as 'solar or green cities.'

Of the total 60 cities, in-principle approval has been accorded to 55 cities, of which 45 have been sanctioned. Out of these 45, the master plans have been finalised for 36 cities.

The ministry has identified the cities based on certain criteria that include a city having a population between 50,000 to 50 lakh (with relaxation given to special category states including north-east states).

So far, the ministry has sanctioned Rs 21.23 crore for preparation of master plans, solar city cells and promotional activities for 45 cities, out of which Rs 4.64 crore has been released.