Solar Scheme Deadline Not Met in Jammu

It is a matter of great concern that the deadline fixed by the Union Territory Government in Jammu and Kashmir for the Roof Top Scholar Scheme has not been met. As per this scheme a target of 50,000 residential houses was fixed and operationalize the set ups till date has not been achieved. On the contrary only 2000 set ups have been fixed.The primary reason has been the lack of awareness campaigns and the dearth of sensitisation programmes to reach out to the beneficiaries.The Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council vide its decision No.77//2022 dated 8th June,2022 had approved the installation of 200 MW grid –tied roof top solar power plants under the “ Solar City Mission” in Jammu. This was the outcome of the Government of India ‘s grid-connected roof top Solar Scheme Phase II for the residential areas to ensure that the dearth of electricity is bridged. Officially it was announced that under this important project to overcome the shortage of electricity 200MW grid-tied roof top solar power plants will be set on 50,000 residential buildings/homes in Jammu city by the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency(JAKEDA) under its “Solar City Mission” at an estimated cost of Rs.1040 crore and the deadline was set for March 2024. The lifetime was fixed for 25 years. But there is no major achievement so far.As approximately 2000 residential buildings have been covered so far under this scheme.The major drawback identified has been the lack of awareness and the public reach out programmes.This raises serious questions as far as the importance of this project is concerned.There has been immense advertisement to develop Jammu as the Smart City. But on ground there have been only superficial measures to meet the same.This can be achived only when the people friendly schemes are made to reach out to the people and the beneficiaries are able to utilise the new means to replace the traditional ones.To give away the old practices in civic life needs the vailablaity of the improvised methods to keep the city clean. It includes the usage of the alternative sources of energy. And solar energy is the top most among these energy alternative to minimise the dependence on the traditional electricity.If people are not made aware of these alternatives and green and clean sources then how this target will be met. When deadlines are not met then development is dead and leads to degradation of the infrastructure.Most of the areas in Jammu City witness dark zones during the evenings and nights on the streets as there is not proper supply of electricity.These includes the city hub like Patel Bazar, area in the Purani Mandi, the heart of old city in Jammu.If such busy areas are witnessing dismal electricity, what is the fate of other areas can be imagined. Solar Energy is the only solution to bridge the gap and provide succour to the masses. To develop Jammu as the Smart City requires reaching out to people and sensitising them about the alternate solutions to live their lives with quality. Mere hoardings and wall paintings is not the barometer of development.This is an eye wash. Authorities need to put the house in order and deliver so that quality of life can improve if the tax payer is given ample ammenities. Keeping cities clean does not mean mere reprimand of the people.It means offering alternatives and implementing the policies and meeting the deadlines.