Jammu and Kashmir has reached 100 megawatts of rooftop solar capacity, marking an early milestone in the Centre's push to expand household solar power, according to Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal. Speaking to reporters during a visit to a Seva Setu Abhiyan camp in Rajbagh, Srinagar, organised under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Agarwal expressed satisfaction with the Union Territory's progress in solar energy adoption. He indicated that the Union Territory could see faster growth in rooftop solar installations as the programme gains momentum.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has benefited around 50 lakh people nationwide, as reported by Agarwal during his visit. The Power Secretary emphasized that a good start has been made in Jammu and Kashmir in this direction, with J&K achieving the initial milestone of 100 megawatts. He noted that once the momentum builds, rapid progress will definitely follow in the region's solar energy development.
The Centre is outlining plans to tap Jammu and Kashmir's hydropower potential, particularly through projects being developed along the Chenab river. According to Agarwal, Chenab Valley Power Corporation Limited, a joint venture between the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, is overseeing several major hydropower projects in the region. Projects including Ratle, Pakal Dul, Kiru and Kwar are already underway, with work progressing well through cooperation of the Union Territory administration.
The Centre is examining additional hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir, with discussions currently underway on the proposed Sawalkote project. As reported by Agarwal, the projects will not only help meet Jammu and Kashmir's electricity requirements but also contribute to meeting power demand in other parts of the country. The Power Secretary's visit to Srinagar highlighted the government's commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure across the Union Territory.
