JK News Today
Srinagar, May 17: As a part of G20 activities in the UT of J&K, the Jammu and Kashmir
Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), Department of Science &
Technology kick started a weeklong Solar Exhibition, “Kashmir Solar
Expo” from today at Exhibition Ground “Kashmir Haat”
Srinagar.
The Solar Expo was inaugurated by worthy Chief Secretary, J&K, A. K. Mehta, in presence of Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner
Secretary to Government Science & Technology Department.
Among other
dignitaries Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Commissioner Secretary to Govt.
Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, Sarmad Hafiz, Secretary to Govt.
Youth Services and Sports Department, CEO JAKEDA, Dr. P. R. Dhar,
Director Handicrafts, Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority,
Additional Director ST&IC, officers from JAKEDA and students from
various colleges were also present on the occasion.
The Expo is aimed to popularize the Solar Technology among the
masses and to inculcate the habit of using Renewable Energy Devices in day
to day work, which is not only cheap and effective in many ways over the
conventional energy based devices but also helps in achieving broader goals
of mitigating the climate change effects.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary laid stress on
popularization of Solar Technology in J&K, Solar Energy being the most
sustainable form of energy. He also informed that the Renewable Energy is
the future as the per unit cost from solar energy sources are much cheaper
than the conventional energy tariffs. The Chief Secretary also interacted
with the Firms who had set up their stalls for showcasing their Solar
Products, and encouraged them to invest and establish their businesses in the
UT and assured them of full support and cooperation from the Govt.
Agencies.
The Commissioner Secretary, S&T informed that under the Rooftop
Solar Scheme, the government provides a maximum subsidy of 65% to the
consumers, whereas under the PM-KUSUM Scheme 80% subsidy is
provided to the farmers. For the remaining beneficiary shares, JAKEDA has
partnered with J&K bank for easy financing under priority lending sector
without any collateral, for the benefit of the prospective consumers. He also
informed that Mega projects like Jammu Solar city 200 MW, RTSS for govt
buildings, PM KUSUM components AB &C shall add more than 100 MWs
within current FY.
Firms involved in solar businesses from all over the country, including
the local entrepreneurs,set up their stall and displayed various solar products
like Solar Panels, Solar Inverters, Solar Pumping Systems, Solar Water
Heating Systems, Solar Home Lights/Lanterns, Solar Street Lights etc.
Pertinent to mention here that JAKEDA is presently implementing two Solar
Schemes (Rooftop Solar and Solar Pumps Schemes) sponsored by the
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI, in the UT of J&K.
Under these schemes the consumers/farmers are entitled to avail Central and
UT subsidies for installation of the Rooftop Solar Power Plants and Solar
Agriculture Pumps. As both the schemes are being implemented in market
mode, the Solar Expo shall help in generating substantial demand under the
two schemes which in turn will help in achieving the allocated targets set by
the Ministry under these schemes.
The Kashmir Solar Expo is expected to generate a huge footfall with
persons from all walks of life aiming to benefit from the Solar Technology
related information and products under display at the Expo.
