Shimla’s green leap: Model solar village to showcase clean energy

A model solar village will soon be established in every district of Himachal Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. As part of this initiative, the Shimla district administration has shortlisted four villages — Tyawal, Chhakdel, Nerwa and Sunda Bhaura — out of which one will be selected for the project.

A district-level committee meeting was convened on Thursday under the chairmanship of Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap to discuss the implementation of the scheme. The meeting focused on beneficiary identification, inter-departmental coordination and awareness generation among the public.

DC Kashyap said the scheme marks a major step towards bringing clean and sustainable solar energy to rural households. He emphasised that promoting solar energy will not only reduce electricity consumption but also play a vital role in environmental conservation. He directed all departments concerned to ensure timely disbursal of benefits to eligible residents and to conduct awareness campaigns in rural areas.

Explaining the scheme’s incentives, the DC said a 60 per cent subsidy will be provided for rooftop solar systems up to 2 kW, while a 40 per cent subsidy will be available for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, with the subsidy capped at 3 kW capacity. Additionally, an incentive of Rs 1,000 will be granted to panchayats for every rooftop solar installation facilitated in their area.

The meeting concluded with a call for coordinated efforts by all departments to ensure the scheme’s success and to transform the selected village into a model of clean energy adoption.

Himachal Tribune