Chandigarh: It is mandatory to install a solar plant even on a plot of 250 square yards
Chandigarh: To promote adoption of solar energy, now owners of plots of 250 sq yard in the city will have to install solar power plants. A meeting of the state-level coordination committee constituted for ‘PM Surya Ghar Free Bijli Yojana’ was convened today to monitor the implementation of the scheme. To enhance the performance of the scheme in the city, UT Adviser Rajiv Verma directed the Urban Planning Secretary to expedite the process of further amending the building bye-laws, thereby reducing the plot size requirement for mandatory solar installations from 500 sq yard to 250 sq yard.
To address the issue of violation of building bye-laws, the Adviser directed Deputy Commissioner-cum-Estate Officer Vinay Pratap Singh to take strict action against the defaulters and issue property restoration notices to those who fail to comply with the order to install solar power plants with plot sizes of 500 sq yard and above. Around 4,000 such houses are still not installed with solar power plants. During the meeting, Secretary, Science, Technology and Renewable Energy, TC Nautiyal spoke about the various efforts made by CREST such as advertisements in newspapers, public bicycle shelters in Chandigarh, solar awareness camps, radio jingles, telecalling, digital promotions, etc.
During the meeting, Verma, Chairman of the Committee, expressed concern about the low number of registrations under the scheme in Chandigarh. He emphasized the need for better collaboration between CREST, MC and Chandigarh Electricity Department. The goal is to intensify awareness efforts and ensure that comprehensive information about the scheme reaches the general public effectively. The Advisor emphasized on becoming No. 1 in all Union Territories. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the fact that various incentives are available for Municipal Corporations, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and DISCOMs to promote the scheme. He directed the departments including MC to launch an intensive education and communication (IEC) campaign with the aim of increasing awareness and increasing maximum participation in the scheme.
