By Excelsior Correspondent
JAIPUR, Jan 21: During his speech at the Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Minister Satish Sharma emphasized the vast potential of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to leverage solar, hydro, and other renewable energy sources. The workshop was attended by Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi; MoS, Shripad Yesso Naik; Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma; and various other ministers and senior officials from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The objective of the workshop was to encourage collaboration, address challenges, and explore viable solutions to further India’s renewable energy goals.
In his address, Sharma acknowledged the strong commitment of the Union Ministry in promoting new and renewable energy initiatives nationwide. He noted the significant progress made in J&K, underscoring that the region has a unique advantage in harnessing solar, hydro, and other renewable energy sources. He mentioned that under the PM KUSUM scheme, J&K has a target to install 5,000 solar agricultural pumps, with 3,000 already installed as of today. Additionally, he informed that solarization of all government buildings under the PM Surya Ghar scheme is underway through JaKeDA, with expectations that all such buildings in J&K will be solarized by December 2025. So far, around 1,000 solar rooftop installations have been completed under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, achieving a total of 3 MW capacity.
The Minister stressed the need to replicate the RESCO model to ensure consumers in J&K receive 100% free electricity.
On the sidelines of the workshop, Satish Sharma engaged with the Union Minister to discuss new opportunities in the New & Renewable Energy sector, particularly regarding job creation and the associated economic and environmental benefits. He outlined the urgent needs in J&K, particularly in rural and border areas like Kathua, Samba, RS Pura, Chhamb, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Nowshera, Poonch, Karnah, Uri, and Baramulla, emphasizing the demand for adequate power supply through solar initiatives, especially for border communities and security personnel.
He called for assistance in extending successful initiatives from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to J&K, which would significantly enhance the development of this sector in the region. He also requested special funding under centrally sponsored schemes to address gaps and strengthen infrastructure.
