City centre Lal Chowk in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (Abid Bhat/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) In a renewable energy boost for the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanctioned the setting up of 19,000 solar street lights across different districts, reports Economic Ti`mes.
Of the total project cost of Rs 47.84 crore, the Centre is providing support of Rs 42.06 crore to the UT, while the J&K administration will foot in the remaining Rs 5.78 crore from its own coffers.
It should be noted that the implementing arm, J&K Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) had already set up 9,107 solar street lights in 12 districts of J&K over the last financial year. In addition to the same, JAKEDA has also completed setting up 2,200 street lights and work in the ongoing financial year in just 45 days.
Under the programme, each district of J&K is being equipped with at least 950 solar street lights. The lights are fully automatic which operate from dusk to dawn without the requirement of switching them on or off. These are likely to help the UT save Rs 61.32 lakhs annually.
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