“Jammu and Kashmir has immense potential for harnessing solar, hydro and other renewable energy sources in Jammu and Kashmir”, stated Minister for FCS &CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology, Information Technology, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma, during his address at Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi; MoS, Shripad Yesso Naik; Chief Minister Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma; concerned Ministers hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan along with senior officers were present in the workshop.
The workshop was aimed to foster collaboration, address challenges and explore actionable solutions in advancing India's renewable energy agenda. During his address, Satish Sharma acknowledged the unwavering commitment of the Union Ministry towards fostering new and renewable energy initiatives across the country.
Highlighting the progress/ achievements made in Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister said that J&K is uniquely positioned with immense potential for harnessing solar, hydro and other renewable energy sources.
He said that under PM KUSUM scheme, J&K had a target of installation of 5000 solar agricultural pumps, of which, 3000 stands installed as on date. He informed that solarisation of all government buildings under PM Surya Ghar scheme has already been taken up by JaKeDA and it is expected that by December 2025, all these buildings in J&K shall be solarised.
He added that under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, around 1000 solar roof topping under domestic category has been done and a total of 3MW has been achieved, so far. The Minister asserted that RESCO model needs to be replicated so that consumers can be provided 100/% free power in J&K.
The Minister also met the Union Minister on the sidelines of workshop and had detailed deliberations regarding exploration of new avenues in New & Renewable Energy sector including job opportunities and economic and environmental benefits of the initiatives.
The Minister apprised the Union Minister regarding immediate requirements in JK especially rural and border areas like Kathua, Samba, RS Pura, Chhamb, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Nowshera, Poonch, Karnah, Uri, Baramulla. He said that border people and army/ security people shall be given active consideration and will be facilitated with adequate power supply through solarisation.
The Minister urged for support in extending specific successful initiatives to the UT from the Ministry for New & Renewable energy, which would significantly accelerate development of this sector in J&K. He asked for special funding/assistance under centrally sponsored schemes to bridge the gap and strengthen our infrastructure.