Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
With the rising power crisis in Uttarakhand, the state government is actively promoting solar energy to meet industrial and domestic electricity demands. Under the Chief Minister Solar Self-Employment Scheme (MSY) and the PM Suryaghar Bijli Yojana, solar plants and panels are being provided at subsidized rates to entrepreneurs and households.
According to the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA), 33 entrepreneurs in Udham Singh Nagar district have applied to install solar plants ranging from 20 kW to 200 kW in their industries under the MSY scheme. Upon government approval, they will receive subsidies for solar panels, significantly reducing their dependence on conventional electricity sources.
Simultaneously, around 3,800 consumers have applied for solar panels of one to three kilowatts for residential use under the PM Suryaghar Bijli Yojana, which offers a 70 percent subsidy. Of these, 1,100 applications have been forwarded to the headquarters, and 267 applicants have already received subsidy approvals.
In addition to powering homes and industries, solar energy is also illuminating the district’s roads. This financial year, 927 solar-powered street lights have been installed under the district plan at a cost of Rs 95 lakh. These lights, charged by sunlight during the day, provide illumination from dusk to dawn, enhancing safety in rural areas.
“Solar energy adoption is gaining momentum in the district. With government subsidies and increased awareness, more industries and households are opting for solar power,” said Sandeep Kumar, Project Officer, UREDA.
