Punjab govt to install 3 lakh solar streetlights in villages for Rs 470 crore
The Punjab government will install 3 lakh new LED-based solar streetlights in villages across the state at a cost of Rs 470 crore, New and
The Punjab government will install 3 lakh new LED-based solar streetlights in villages across the state at a cost of Rs 470 crore, New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora said on Wednesday. He said the move is aimed at improving safety, connectivity and sustainability in rural areas through clean energy lighting. Arora said the AAP government will bear 70 per cent of the project cost, while gram panchayats will pay the remaining 30 per cent.
He said this marks a major change from the earlier 30:70 funding pattern, which had placed a heavy financial burden on village bodies. Read Full Story According to the minister, the decision was taken in view of the limited financial resources available to panchayats and to ensure equal opportunity for all gram panchayats to take part in the programme. He said the initiative reflects the state government's focus on improving safety, strengthening rural infrastructure and promoting clean energy in villages.
Arora said 62.51 per cent of Punjab's population, or around 173.20 lakh people, lives in rural areas. He said dark streets increase the risk of accidents and crime, while also limiting economic and social activity after sunset. The project, he added, will help villages near major economic hubs extend working hours and support the rural economy. The Punjab Energy Development Agency will be the nodal agency for the project. It will oversee the installation of new solar streetlights as well as the repair and renewal of existing systems.
Arora said the maintenance support period has also been extended from five years to seven years, based on feedback from panchayats, to ensure long-term functioning of the systems. Overall, the project is intended to expand clean energy lighting in Punjab's villages while easing the financial burden on panchayats. Ends
The BriefWire