After becoming fastest growing state on solar power front in India, Punjab would now lead the nation in installing the LED based solar streetlights in rural areas, said Bikram Singh Majithia, New and Renewable Energy Minister, Punjab while launching the ‘SolarPind’ campaign, here today.Mr. Majithia informed that under this initiative, villages in the districts along the international border and the villages in the Kandi area would be covered on priority. “In addition, 100 such villages which were bestowed with the presence of our Gurus, Saints, Fakirs, Martyrs and having historical/religious importance will also be covered on priority. The allocation will be done in a phased manner on First cum First Serve basis”, he added.Opining that use of Clean and Green energy is the only way forward for the world, Mr. Majithia said that installing these streetlights would provide a sense of security to the villagers, longer play-hours to the children and safety to those returning late in the evening. “Moreover, these lights would also come as an aid to the security forces deployed along the International border to keep a check on the anti-national elements. Since these lights are standalone, these will continue to work even in the midst of a grid failure”, said Mr. Majithia.
Giving more details of the campaign, Mr. Majithia said that the villages under priority category would have to contribute only Rs.1500 per light , with the balance amount of Rs.13400 per light, to be met by the State Government, PEDA and Government of India. The Villages in other districts contributing Rs.3000 per light will also be covered under priority. The village panchayats will apply to PEDA with their contribution and number of lights they want to get installed. He said that these installations would also act as demonstration units for people to observe the working of Solar power and adopt it in their daily lives.“Harnessing the vast potential of the solar power along with a suitable technology is the key to protect our planet. Punjab's initiative of use of Clean & Green energy will go a long way to make the world a better place”, said Mr. MajithiaIt is pertinent to mention that these lights would be of highest standard with luminaries of Phillips, Cree& Nichia (Japan JV.) and T-Gel batteries of Exide and HBL. The installing company will do the annual maintenance of these lights for a period of 5 years and the total warranty of the solar panel is 25 years. After installation, the responsibility for the security of the lights will be of the village panchayat.