To generate green energy, rooftop solar plants have been installed atop nearly 68 per cent of the total households which had submitted applications under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in the city so far.
In response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing Budget session, Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, stated that out of the total 1,542 applications received for installation of solar panels till January 28 under the scheme, solar panels had been installed atop 1,026 private houses. He further stated that subsidy amounting to Rs 5.51 crore had been disbursed among 989 households till December 31, 2015, in Chandigarh.
After nearly nine months, the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, had been handed back to the Chandigarh Renewable Energy Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST), which will now be responsible for implementing the scheme in the UT.
With the scheme back under its control, CREST has begun preparations to expand its reach, particularly by covering more private residential houses. As part of this effort, awareness meetings will be organised with local residents and resident welfare associations to encourage public participation.
Officials said the plan to project Chandigarh as a model solar city was already underway. While solar plants have largely been installed on government buildings and houses, the focus will now shift to increasing coverage among private households.
Under the yojana, the Central Government provides a subsidy of up to Rs 78,000 for installation of solar plants with a capacity of up to 3 kW, which costs around Rs 1.56 lakh.
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Remembering Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia
