Uttarakhand hosted its first-ever Solar Energy Fair (Saur Kauthig) to promote solar energy adoption in the state. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the event by flagging off a solar van. This van will travel across remote areas of the state for 100 days, spreading awareness about solar energy projects and government subsidies.
Prominent attendees included Finance and Urban Development Minister Premchand Agarwal, Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, MLA Khajan Das, and CM’s advisor Vishwas Dabar. Around 50 companies working on solar projects from across the country set up stalls at the fair. Energy Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram highlighted various central and state government initiatives aimed at boosting solar energy usage.
Solar Achievements and Goals:
- Under the recently launched PM Suryaghar Yojana, Uttarakhand has received 28,000 applications, with 11,000 plants already installed, generating 37 MW of electricity.
- The state aims to produce 2,000 MW of electricity by 2027.
- Following policy changes under the Mukhyamantri Solar Self-Employment Scheme, 67 MW of projects have been completed, and applications for 200 MW of new projects have been received.
CM Dhami’s Message:
CM Dhami emphasized that the “Solar-Rich Uttarakhand” campaign is a significant step toward environmental conservation and energy self-reliance. Given the limited availability of fossil fuels and environmental concerns, solar energy presents an essential alternative. The state government announced subsidies of ₹51,000 for PM Suryaghar Yojana beneficiaries and ₹17,000 under the Solar Water Heater Scheme.
