New Delhi [India], December 6 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has said that all government buildings like schools, colleges, hospitals, offices, godowns should be equipped with rooftop solar systems to accelerate the state's transition towards clean and green energy.
The Chief Minister was chairing a high-level review meeting on the Budget announcements of the Power (Energy) sector at the Civil Secretariat.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the PM Suryaghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and instructed officials to expedite rooftop solar installations across households in the state.
He also examined the month-wise achievements under the scheme and emphasised strict monitoring and accountability.
In addition, the Chief Minister directed the creation of solar parks across the State to harness Haryana's renewable energy potential at scale. He also ordered the immediate removal of old and defunct electricity poles from major State roads and highways to enhance public safety and improve road aesthetics, acccording to a release.
Chairman, Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL), Shyamal Misra, informed that 42,486 rooftop solar installations have already been completed as of November 20 in the state. A target has been set to install 2,22,000 rooftop solar systems in the state by March 31, 2027.
He said DISCOMs have also formulated a new scheme, 'Saur Urja Protsahan Yojana', aimed primarily at State Government employees and regular electricity bill-paying consumers. The scheme has been submitted to the State Government for approval and is currently under consideration. Once implemented, this initiative is expected to substantially accelerate rooftop solar adoption and help the State achieve and potentially surpass the assigned RTS targets.
The Chief Minister said all power sector targets must be met within stipulated timelines to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to every household in the State.
"Energy security is crucial for economic growth. Every pending project must move forward without delay," he said.
The department also outlined its long-term energy strategy, which focuses on building a robust and self-sustaining energy ecosystem. Haryana aims to achieve 24,000 MW of power availability within the next seven years to guarantee 100 per cent power supply to every consumer.
A major component of the State's capacity expansion is thermal power augmentation. The Chief Minister was informed that work on the 1x800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal unit in Yamunanagar will commence shortly with the assistance of BHEL.
The Chief Minister instructed the department to fast-track all clearances to begin construction at the earliest.