CS reviews progress of Solar Power schemes in J&K

Jammu, Feb 28: Jammu, Feb 28: Chief Secretary AtalDulloo, in a concerted effort to ensure the effective implementation of the solarisation mission in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, convened a meeting today to review the progress of various solar power schemes under the PM Surya GharYojana.
Present at the meeting included the Commissioner Secretary of Science & Technology, Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD), Principal Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Planning, Director General of Planning, Managing Directors of Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), as well as representatives from NHPC and REC.
During the session, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasised the urgency for all stakeholders, particularly NHPC, the designated project implementation agency, to expedite the implementation of the schemes on the ground.
Regarding the PM Surya GharMuftBijliYojana, he underscored the need for extensive public awareness campaigns to ensure maximum participation. He directed JPDCL and KPDCL to actively assist and encourage people to register for the scheme, emphasizing the importance of providing weekly reports on registrations made in each division.
Highlighting the attractiveness of such schemes for the public due to the significant subsidy component provided under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Chief Secretary Dulloo called for the empanelment of genuine agencies in each district for the installation of solar rooftops. He stressed the importance of offering multiple options to the public to choose from, enabling them to avail the benefits of the PM Surya GharMuftBijliYojana.
Furthermore, Chief Secretary Dulloo advised seamless coordination between departments to expedite the solarisation of government buildings in the UT. He instructed NHPC to finalize the solarisation plan for identified government infrastructure, acting as the implementing agency through REC under the Resco model.
Commissioner Secretary of Science & Technology, SaurabhBhagat, informed Chief Secretary Dulloo that the department had completed a survey identifying 28,686 government-owned buildings feasible for solarisation. Of these, 2,703 buildings have already been solarized, with a tentative estimated capacity of around 241 MWs for the remaining buildings.
Regarding the PM Surya GharMuftBijliYojana, it was revealed that the scheme aims to provide free solar power to the poorest sections of society. The subsidy components for different capacity solar rooftops were detailed, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy adoption.
The comprehensive meeting chaired by Chief Secretary AtalDulloo underscores the UT administration’s proactive stance towards harnessing solar power to meet energy needs while fostering sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.