Srinagar, Oct 04: Jammu and Kashmir has crossed a milestone in its clean energy journey, with 43,000 rooftop solar installations completed under the PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana, as the Union Territory accelerates its transition towards renewable power.
Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Mehmood Ahmad Shah, who was accompanying Secretary, Union Ministry of Power, Pankaj Agarwal, to review developments in the power sector in J&K, including projects being implemented under the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, shared the figures of rooftop installations with reporters.
According to him, the Kashmir Valley has recorded 26,000 installations so far, while Jammu has seen only 17,000 till date.
Shah acknowledged that some districts are lagging behind but stated that many of the Valley districts are doing extremely well.
Srinagar, Budgam and Kupwara, Shah said, are doing extremely well, while Baramulla and Bandipora are lagging.
The PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to provide free electricity to households through rooftop solar installations, reducing dependence on conventional power and lowering electricity bills for consumers.
The review by the Union Power Secretary, along with the MD KPDCL, underscores the Centre’s focus on strengthening J&K’s power infrastructure, including ongoing projects under the RDSS, which aims to improve the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of power distribution companies.
