Minister Satish Sharma Reviews Science and Technology Progress to Accelerate Renewable Energy and Innovation in Jammu and Kashmir
SRINAGAR, July 28 — Science and Technology Minister Satish Sharma reviewed key renewable energy and scientific initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir during a comprehensive meeting with senior department officials, reaffirming the government’s focus on sustainable development and clean energy adoption. The discussion covered major flagship programs run by the Department of Science and Technology, Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency, and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Council.
Key areas assessed included solarization of public infrastructure, hydro power development, agricultural solar schemes, and biotechnology park construction.Highlighting major achievements, the minister noted that 8,181 government buildings have been solarized with a capacity of 85.8 MW, positioning Jammu and Kashmir third nationally in government building solarization.
Progress was also highlighted under the PM-KUSUM scheme, where 4,876 of the targeted 5,000 solar agricultural pumps have been commissioned to provide reliable irrigation. Overall renewable achievements include 250 MW of government rooftop solar capacity installed or underway, 125 MW of grid-connected solar power, 33 MW across 5,500 households, solarization of 2,214 schools, and the commissioning of seven small hydro projects totaling 35.25 MW, with dozens more identified for future development.On scientific infrastructure, Satish Sharma reviewed ongoing construction projects, including the Sub-Regional Science Centre in Srinagar and the Industrial Biotechnology Park in Handwara, both nearing 85 percent completion.
The minister also noted that the Industrial Biotechnology Park at Kathua is operational in partnership with IIIM Jammu. Emphasizing the need to foster innovation, generate employment, and lower carbon emissions, the minister instructed officials to maintain strict timelines, optimize resource usage, and ensure the timely completion of all ongoing projects across the region.