Rajapalayam is the taluk headquarters of Rajapalayam Taluk, and an important town in the district of Virudhunagar within the State of Tamil Nadu. Rajapalayam LPA, which includes Rajapalayam town, 15 surrounding revenue villages and 2 reserved forests, has a total population of 2.16 lakh, as per the 2011 Census. In 2023, a master plan was formulated for Rajapalayam LPA, the master plan has a planning period till 2041. The master plan was meant to foster sustainable urban development, responsible land-use and resource efficiency and is expected to propel the town on a pathway towards decarbonization and inclusive growth. Rajapalayam is the first town in Tamil Nadu that has aspired to announce a GHG emission reduction target, it aims at achieving net zero emissions by the year 2041.

It is in this context that an emissions inventory for the town has been developed. The purpose of this GHG emissions inventory is to report on the sources and magnitude of GHG emissions. While this inventory provides us a broad understanding of today’s emissions, consecutive reports on a yearly or bi-yearly basis can help improve the quality of the data and understand the progress of the activities undertaken by the LPA to reduce their impact on the surrounding environment.