Srinagar: In order to review progress made in installation of Solar Rooftops under PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojna (PMSGMBY) in District, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat on Thursday chaired a meeting of Engineers of KPDCL here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
Besides Chief Planning Officer Srinagar, the meeting was attended by Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers and other Officers of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).
At the outset, the DC took a firsthand appraisal of the progress made in installation of Solar Rooftops under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in all Electric Divisions of the District.
The DC was informed that a target of 6370 households has been set for Srinagar District under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli scheme to be achieved by March 2025. He was apprised that over 1400 consumers of the Power Development Department have applied so far in Srinagar District for the installation of Rooftop Solar plants under the scheme.
On the occasion, the DC emphasized the benefits of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli scheme and urged KPDCL functionaries to generate awareness among the people about the benefits of installing Rooftop Solar plants under the scheme. He asked them to make awareness material in local languages for easy comprehension besides sending bulk SMSs to the targeted consumers, and reach out to consumers at Ward and Panchayat levels.
Dr. Bilal underscored the need to prioritize potential households with power consumption of up to 3 KW and highlighted the scheme’s attractive 60% subsidy on solar power units, which significantly reduces dependency on conventional energy sources for a large section of consumers.
The DC also instructed Officers from the PDD and J&K Bank to work in tandem to raise awareness about the scheme and simplify access to easy loans for the subscriber’s contribution. He emphasized that widespread adoption of solar power systems would provide a considerable boost to the power system in Srinagar District.
Dr. Bilal directed PDD Officials to organize awareness camps in collaboration with Ward and Panchayat level Officers to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy under PMSGMBY, which is offered at highly subsidized rates. He also instructed the KPDCL Engineers to submit a comprehensive IEC Plan and constitute Electric Division wise teams to reach out the potential consumers within their jurisdiction.
The DC asked for making concerted efforts to increase the number of applicants and timely installations in favour of each of them.
During the meeting, Superintending Engineer KPDCL gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting different aspects of the scheme and progress made in its implementation.
