Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio launched the Nagaland Solar Mission; a significant initiative aimed at promoting the installation of residential Rooftop Solar (RTS) systems across the state. This mission is being implemented in convergence with the ‘Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY)’.
Addressing Power Deficits through Green Energy
Speaking at the PMSG: MBY launching program, Chief Minister Rio highlighted the state government’s commitment to addressing the persistent power deficits in Nagaland through the adoption of solar energy. He emphasized that the Nagaland Solar Mission marks a crucial step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and promoting environmental sustainability.
State Government’s Additional Subsidy
To further incentivize the adoption of green energy and support the central government’s PMSG: MBY initiative, the state government has announced an additional subsidy of up to Rs 50,000 for RTS installations up to 3 kW. This additional financial support, provided through budgetary allocation, aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on households and encourage wider participation in the solar mission. Chief Minister Rio expressed confidence that this combined financial assistance from the central and state governments would cover a substantial portion of the installation costs.
Benefits of Rooftop Solar Adoption
Chief Minister Rio explained the dual benefits of installing rooftop solar systems. Firstly, it will enable households to generate their own electricity, thereby reducing their reliance on the grid and lowering their monthly electricity bills. Secondly, the surplus power generated can be supplied back to the grid, potentially providing an additional source of income for households. He urged the citizens of Nagaland to actively participate in this initiative and capitalize on the advantages of transitioning to sustainable solar power production.
Encouraging Public Participation for Green Energy Revolution
Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs K G Kenye echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments, emphasizing the affordability of rooftop solar installation due to the additional state subsidy. He expressed optimism about a positive public response and contribution towards realizing Nagaland’s green energy objectives. Minister Kenye also voiced confidence that this initiative would significantly alleviate the chronic power shortages plaguing the state and pave the way for socio-economic development.
Project Overview and Implementation
The Secretary of the Power Department, Asangla Imti, provided an overview of the Nagaland Solar Mission, followed by a detailed PowerPoint presentation by department officials outlining the project’s implementation strategy. The department informed attendees that 247 online applications have already been received from interested individuals. To ensure a seamless installation process, 55 empanelled national and state vendors are readily available in Nagaland.
The launch of the Nagaland Solar Mission, coupled with the state’s generous subsidy and alignment with the central government’s PMSG: MBY, marks a pivotal moment in the state’s pursuit of energy independence and sustainable development. This initiative, evidenced by the immediate public interest and the availability of vendor support, promises to significantly alleviate Nagaland’s power deficits, reduce household electricity costs, and drive a widespread adoption of clean energy, ultimately fostering socio-economic progress across the region.