JK News Today
Srinagar, May 18: The weeklong Solar Expo thrown open by the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) continued to generate a huge footfall on the second day of the exhibition.
The Expo is aimed to popularize the Solar Technology among the masses in the UT.
People from all walks of life visiting the event and benefitting from the Solar Technology related information and products under display at the Expo.
This expo was thrown open by Chief Secretary A. K. Mehta, in presence of Commissioner/Secretary to Government Science & Technology Department Saurabh Bhagat.
Among other dignitaries, the Expo was visited by Additional Secretary, S&T department Shafiq Ahmed, Ex. Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, Ex Development Commissioner Power, Muzaffar Ahmed Bhat, President Chamber of Commerce & Industries Kashmir (CIK) Tariq Ghani along with other members of CCIK, President Transport Association, Muhammad Syed Ronga, President Kashmir Private School Association, Ghulam Mohiudin Khan and other representatives of civil society organizations, students from various colleges/schools etc.
The Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA, speaking to the media persons, highlighted the significance of Solar Energyin today’s world, which is battling the adverse effects of climate change and greenhouse gas effect. India in its efforts to counter this climate change has resolved to achieve 500 GW of Solar Energy Generation in the country by 2030. The Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Initiative of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI is a part of this resolution whereby capacity targets have been allocated to all the State Implementing Agencies throughout the country. JAKEDA has been allocated a target of 20 MW under the Rooftop Solar Scheme for implementation throughout the UT and 200 MW under the Jammu Solar City Programme. The main aim of the expo is to create maximum awareness among the masses about the Rooftop Solar Scheme and the incentives provided by the government under it. Similarly, under the PM-KUSUM scheme, which is primarily aimed for upliftment of the Farmers, a subsidy of 80% of the total cost of the solar pump shall be provided to the farmers for irrigation purpose. For those consumers/farmers who cannot pay their beneficiary shares upfront, JAKEDA has partnered with J&K bank for easy financing under priority lending sector without any collateral.
Firms involved in solar businesses from all over the country, including the local entrepreneurs, have set up their stall for displaying various solar products.
