Himachal CM advocates for enhancing solar power generation in State

He was presiding over a meeting of senior officers of the Power Department here on Wednesday.

He said that a 32 MW Solar Power Project has been established at Pekhubela in Una district and a 10 MW solar power project and a 5 MW project were under construction in Kutlehar and Gagret assembly constituencies respectively.

CM Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh would be in a position to harness around 50 MW of solar energy in the coming six months.

A statement released by the Chief Minister's Office on Wednesday said, "Directions were given to the officers to expedite the ongoing solar power projects and commission these projects at the earliest besides identifying the new sites to set up solar power projects".

The Chief Minister said that the state government was also "encouraging the youth to enter into the solar power generation sector" and "earn a livelihood for themselves". "These projects would be allotted to bona fide Himachalis."

He said that the power demand was increasing day by day and keeping this in view solar power should also be harnessed alongside the hydel power. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source, reducing carbon emissions and minimising the reliance on fossil fuels. These solar power projects also need minimal maintenance besides a longer life span, said the Chief Minister.

CM Sukhu said that "climate change was the biggest challenge" and that "green initiatives can play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of global warming."

He also reiterated the state government's commitment to promoting green industry in the State which would help in mitigating the climate change impact and would play an important role in realizing the government's goal of making Himachal Pradesh a green energy State by 31st March 2026. The government was also promoting e-vehicles in the State and it has been decided to convert the entire fleet of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses to e-buses, the statement added. (ANI)