Army in Ladakh to have solar energy: Union Secy

Contact:-ajmeralam2000@gmail.com/Cell:-919906103001

JAMMU, NOV 25: Union Secretary for New & Renewal Energy, Mr. Deepak Gupta has said army in Ladakh division would be provided solar energy to reduce their dependence on fuel, adding a comprehensive project for the purpose is under consideration of the central government.

Chairing a high level review meeting here today, Mr. Deepak asked the concerned officers to assess the potential and feasibility of micro hydro power and renewable energy projects for harnessing. He called for furnishing list of completed projects and handed over projects to the respective District Administration/Village Level Committees for proper upkeep and maintenance.

Mr. Deepak asked the concerned to prepare list of left out houses for distribution of Solar House Lights identified by the local representatives.

The meeting held threadbare discussions on construction of micro-hydel projects, establishment of water mills and solar lighting system in the state. Transmission & distribution system and subsidy related issues also came up for discussion in the meeting.

The meeting was informed that work on 800 KW three micro hydel power projects is going on in full swing in Ladakh, which are expected to be completed by September next year. The solar street lights and solar lantern in Sharju, Mahore are fully functional, the meeting was informed.

It was further given out that 816 un-electrified villages and hamlets in Jammu division and 587 in Kashmir division have been identified. Of which 106 of Jammu division and 176 in Kashmir division would be covered under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojna. It was informed that 6872 Solar House Lights have been dispatched for 6 districts of Kashmir division, adding that 3726 systems have been procured for Gurez on the basis of lists furnished by the district administration. 12376 households of Kashmir division would be covered under REC.

Among others, Principal Secretary, Science & Technology, Dr. Arun Kumar, Secretary, Power Development Department, Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Chief Executive Officer, IREP, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Additional Chief Executive Officer, JKEDA, and representatives of army attended the meeting.