“Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Himachal Pradesh will establish model solar villages in every district, each costing Rs 1 crore. Shimla has shortlisted four villages for the initiative, aiming to promote clean energy. The state also plans 500 KW solar plants in 100 panchayats under the Green Panchayat Scheme, boosting sustainability.”
Himachal Pradesh Pioneers Solar Energy Transformation
Himachal Pradesh is set to illuminate its rural landscape with a groundbreaking initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. The state government has announced plans to establish a model solar village in each of its districts, with an estimated budget of Rs 1 crore per village. This ambitious project aims to showcase clean energy adoption and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, aligning with India’s renewable energy goals.
In Shimla, the district administration has identified four villages—Tyawal, Chhakdel, Nerwa, and Sunda Bhaura—as potential candidates for the model solar village project. A district-level committee, chaired by Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, met on July 3, 2025, to finalize the selection process. The chosen village will serve as a blueprint for sustainable energy practices, incorporating rooftop solar systems with significant subsidies—60% for systems up to 2 kW and 40% for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW, capped at 3 kW capacity. These incentives are designed to make solar energy accessible to rural households, fostering energy independence.
Beyond the model solar village initiative, Himachal Pradesh is advancing its renewable energy agenda through the Green Panchayat Scheme. The state cabinet recently approved the installation of 500 KW solar power plants in 100 panchayats, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA) and selected Gram Panchayats. This initiative includes revenue-sharing arrangements, benefiting local panchayats, HIMURJA, and the state government, while promoting self-employment through interest subsidies for solar projects in both tribal and non-tribal regions.
The state’s commitment to becoming a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026, is backed by a Rs 905 crore budget allocation for solar and hydropower projects. This funding will support infrastructure like solar-powered irrigation pumps, streetlights, and water purification systems, enhancing the quality of life in rural areas while prioritizing environmental sustainability. The coordinated efforts of various departments are expected to ensure the seamless implementation of these schemes, setting a benchmark for renewable energy adoption in India’s rural heartlands.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from sources including The Tribune, Hindustan Times, and posts on X. Information is accurate as of July 4, 2025, but may be subject to updates as new developments emerge.