From Bus Stops to Municipal Buildings… Pune to Become a Green City Through Solar Energy
Pune, 13th February 2026: The state’s largest solar energy exhibition, the ‘MASMA Renewable Energy Expo 2026’, was inaugurated today by Mayor Manjusha Nagpure in an enthusiastic ceremony. The three-day exhibition, being held at the New Agriculture College Ground in Shivajinagar, has received an overwhelming response from citizens.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration, Mayor Nagpure stated that solar energy is an effective solution for Pune’s holistic and sustainable development. In view of changing climatic conditions and rising energy demands, she emphasized the need to implement practical and feasible solar projects across the city.
She said that solar panels can be installed at public places such as bus stops, gardens, public toilets, government offices, schools, hospitals, and municipal buildings to generate clean energy. Facilities such as solar-powered street lights, CCTV systems, digital information boards, and mobile charging stations can make the city more efficient and environmentally friendly.
She further noted that wider adoption of solar energy would reduce dependence on conventional electricity, lower pollution levels, and decrease municipal energy expenses. She called for coordinated use of solar and other eco-friendly energy sources to transform Pune into a green and self-reliant city.
During her interaction with representatives of the Maharashtra Solar Manufacturers Association, the Mayor expressed readiness to implement pilot solar projects through public-private partnerships and expand them across the city in a phased manner. She reaffirmed the municipal corporation’s positive approach toward accelerating Pune’s development through renewable energy initiatives.
On the occasion, Corporator Manjusha Khedekar, Satyaki Savarkar (grandson of Veer Savarkar), Upendra Barve, Founder of the German Indo Innovation Corridor (GIIC), MASMA President Amit Kulkarni, Vice President Pradeep Khade, and former President Shashikant Wakade were present.
Along with solar energy products, stalls set up by MSEDCL, the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), and the School of Energy Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University, have also attracted visitors. Citizens are gathering information about rooftop systems, battery storage solutions, and energy-efficient technologies.
The exhibition is open free of charge to the public today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, providing an important platform to explore and adopt the latest advancements in the solar energy sector.
