Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated a 500 KW solar power project at Dharech Gram Panchayat of Kasumpti Assembly Constituency in Shimla district. He said that it was one of the significant steps of the present state government towards sustainable development.
He said that with this achievement, Dharech has become Himachal Pradesh’s first ‘Green Panchayat’. Constructed at an approximate cost of Rs. 1.94 crore, the project commenced in January 2025 and was successfully connected to the electricity grid on 30 March 2026.
The Chief Minister said that the solar power plant was generating around 3,000 units of clean energy per day, with an estimated annual production of nearly eight lakh units. As per the agreement, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited will purchase this electricity at a rate of Rs. 3.50 per unit.
This is expected to generate a steady annual income of about Rs. 28 lakh for the Gram Panchayat thereby supporting its financial sustainability. Sh. Sukhu said that this initiative was an inclusive and welfare-oriented model that would strengthen rural self-reliance.
The revenue generated from the project would be distributed in a balanced manner, with 30 percent allocated for development works of gram panchayat, 20 percent for the welfare of orphans and widows, 20 percent to the state government, 10 percent to Himurja and the remaining 20 percent for operation and maintenance of Himurja.
He said that this project, with an estimated lifespan of 25 years, is an important initiative towards promoting sustainable development, clean energy and rural empowerment in the state. It will directly benefit local people and help improve their economic condition.