Sir,
This has reference to the news item ‘Harness solar, wind power in a big way’ DE Feb 21.
Despite having much potential for solar power the State has not fully exploited this resource so far. The State is wholly dependent on hydropower which is not sufficient to meet the needs of people at present.
The successive State Governments have been exhorting people to use solar power but no sincere steps have been taken in this direction. The much touted solar project in Ladakh division is nowhere in sight. The Central Government had promised aid for the same, but no one knows what happened to that. Entire Ladakh division is dependent on diesel generators for electricity.
Though a number of mini hydel projects have come up but these do not meet the needs of people. Lack of electricity infrastructure is one of the main hurdles in the development of rural areas in the State. If small solar power projects are set up in rural areas on the pattern of mini hydel power projects, it will make villages self reliant in power. At many places, the Government has installed solar street lights, and these have helped in overcoming power shortage in those areas. The Government must frame a comprehensive policy in this regard.
Yours etc….
Amit Salgotra
Rehari Jammu
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