JK Rooftop Solar Set for Rapid Growth: Union Power Secretary

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Oct 03: Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir has made a promising start under the Centre’s rooftop solar scheme and is poised for rapid progress once momentum builds.

Agarwal was speaking to reporters after visiting a Seva Setu Abhiyan camp organised under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) at Rajbagh here. The visit was aimed at strengthening public outreach, facilitating citizen-centric service delivery and spreading awareness about the benefits of installing rooftop solar systems under the scheme.

Around 50 lakh people across the country have availed of the scheme’s benefits so far, the secretary said. “I am pleased that a good start has been made in Jammu and Kashmir in this direction as well. J&K has recently achieved an initial milestone of 100 megawatts, and once the momentum builds, rapid progress will definitely follow,” he said.

On the steps taken by the Centre to harness the Union Territory’s hydroelectric potential, Agarwal said the government is building several projects on the Chenab river.

“We also have a joint venture with J&K called the Chenab Valley Power Corporation Limited. Work on major projects like Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar is already underway and progressing very well. We are receiving full cooperation from the UT administration on these,” he said.

The secretary said the Centre would also consider other new projects that need to be taken up in the Union Territory.

Currently, discussions are ongoing regarding Sawalkote. We certainly intend to take up work on that project in the near future, he said, adding that these projects would not only meet local demand but also serve the power needs of other parts of the country.