SRINAGAR, May 18 : Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta inaugurated a week-long mega Solar Expo at Kashmir Haat, Exhibition Ground in Srinagar. The expo, organized by J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) in collaboration with various vendors in the renewable energy industry and other line departments of Jammu and Kashmir, will take place from May 17 to May 23.
Dr. Mehta commended JAKEDA for organizing the expo, highlighting its role in raising awareness about the benefits of rooftop solar plants and other beneficiary-oriented schemes. He urged JAKEDA to conduct similar awareness camps and expos across different regions of the Union Territory to ensure people are informed about rooftop solar plants, the KUSUM scheme, its financing patterns, and the associated advantages.
The Chief Secretary emphasized the government’s vision of promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. He emphasized that renewable energy holds the key to the future and highlighted the potential of rooftop solar programs in offsetting power requirements for domestic consumers, thereby enabling Power Distribution Companies (Discoms) to provide quality power to others.
Dr. Mehta emphasized that these initiatives are crucial steps toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a sustainable future. He underlined the cleanliness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy and encouraged people to embrace this futuristic technology for both domestic and agricultural purposes, ultimately benefiting their resources and the environment.
Speaking at the event, Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner Secretary of Science and Technology, expressed the department’s dedicated efforts in promoting these schemes. He informed the audience that under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India’s schemes, domestic electricity consumers can install rooftop solar PV plants and avail the benefits of solar-powered pumps under PM-KUSUM for their irrigation needs.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the Rooftop Solar scheme provides subsidies of up to 65% to consumers for installing solar photovoltaic rooftops, ranging from 1 KW to 10 KW capacity. Additionally, consumers receive five years of free maintenance.
Regarding the PM-KUSUM scheme, it was explained that it aims to increase farmers’ income and provide irrigation sources to uplift the agricultural sector. Under the scheme, farmers can install subsidized solar-powered pumps up to 10 HP capacity, with the option of AC/DC surface and submersible pumps. The Central and UT governments provide a subsidy of up to 80%, with farmers contributing only 20% of the machinery cost to benefit from the scheme.
