• By Abid Bashir
• Comments 0
• 30 Mar 2026

Kashmir’s rooftops power new energy dawn

PM Surya Ghar scheme sparks solar surge Thousands of homes turn power producers

Srinagar, Mar 29: In Kashmir, a new story is unfolding quietly above the rooftops—one powered by sunlight. The PM Surya Ghar--Muft Bijli Yojana is fast reshaping Kashmir’s energy landscape, turning homes into mini power stations and consumers into producers. What began as a government initiative has now evolved into a people-driven movement.  Official figures reveal that over 25,000 rooftop solar systems have already been installed across Jammu and Kashmir, while nearly one lakh households have applied for the scheme—an indication of the growing trust in solar energy as a reliable alternative. From the bustling neighbourhoods of Srinagar to the far-flung villages of Kupwara, Budgam and Anantnag, solar panels glint under the Valley’s sun, symbolising a shift that is as much economic as it is environmental. For many families, this is not just about adopting a new technology—it is about reclaiming control over their energy needs. A senior official described the transition as transformative. “There is a clear shift in mindset. People are no longer viewing solar as an option, but as a necessity. It offers reliability, independence and long-term

savings,” the official said. For decades, Kashmir has grappled with power shortages, particularly during the harsh winter months when demand peaks and supply constraints intensify. The solar push is now emerging as a crucial supplement to the conventional grid, offering stability in times of uncertainty. Officials from Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited said the impact is already visible. “Consumers are turning into prosumers. With net metering, households are generating electricity for their own use and exporting surplus power back to the grid. This decentralised model is a major step forward,” an official said. Another official associated with the implementation highlighted its broader significance. “Rooftop solar is helping reduce load on the grid, especially during peak demand. It is also building resilience in our power system. The response from the public has been beyond expectations,” he added. The financial benefits are equally compelling.  Under the scheme, households are eligible for subsidies of up to Rs 78,000 and can avail up to 300 units of free electricity per month. For many, this has translated into dramatically reduced power bills, with a growing

number of consumers reporting near-zero or zero billing. Officials from Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited said ease of access has played a crucial role in the scheme’s success. “The process has been simplified end-to-end. Online applications, empanelled vendors and quicker approvals have ensured that people can adopt solar without hurdles,” an official noted. Beyond individual households, the ripple effects are being felt across the economy. The surge in installations is generating local employment opportunities for technicians, electricians and vendors, while also encouraging a shift toward a greener, more sustainable future in an ecologically sensitive region. With a target of covering over 83,000 households, authorities believe the scheme could significantly ease the region’s long-standing power deficit and reduce dependence on conventional sources. “This initiative is not just about electricity—it is about empowering people, ensuring energy security and moving toward sustainability,” an official said. As thousands of solar panels shimmer across the Valley, Kashmir is embracing more than just a scheme—it is embracing a new way of life, where every ray of sunlight carries the promise of power, savings and self-reliance.