Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Chairs High Level Meeting to Accelerate Solar Energy Projects
SRINAGAR, JUNE 4 — Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting with concerned government stakeholders to review the progress of large-scale solarization initiatives and resolve bottlenecks identified by the Science and Technology Department across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Power Development Department, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance, Commissioner Secretary of the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, and the Managing Directors of JPDCL and KPDCL, alongside representatives from various other departments.
During the discussions, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for a sustained, result-oriented follow-up on the deliberated issues, noting that a clear roadmap for addressing challenges had emerged through collective consultations. He underscored that the department should fully leverage the support extended by the Finance Department and other agencies to achieve solarization targets within defined timelines.
Emphasizing the immense potential of renewable energy in the region, the Chief Secretary advised the department to undertake a comprehensive review of land parcels identified on the PM Gati Shakti Portal to assess their suitability for establishing mega solar parks under Government of India-supported programmes.
He called for a focused, mission-mode approach, directing the department to set measurable targets for the next six months, one year, and two years, while ensuring visible progress on the ground at each stage. The meeting held detailed deliberations on critical implementation issues, including land acquisition and transfer, obtaining statutory clearances from various departments, executing Power Purchase Agreements with distribution companies for power evacuation from solarized buildings, and implementing measures to maintain grid stability for the optimal utilization of solar energy assets.
Discussions also centered on installing Virtual Net Metering systems in government buildings, adopting a Unified Billing System for departments instead of separate billing for individual buildings, and providing fresh power connections wherever required to facilitate seamless project implementation. The stakeholders further deliberated on the need for rationalizing and levelizing rates for projects implemented under the Renewable Energy Service Company model to ensure greater efficiency across departments.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed the long-term roadmap for developing mega-scale solar power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on land transfer, the execution of Power Purchase Agreements, and feeder segregation essential for efficient integration.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to clean energy, the Chief Secretary called upon all departments to work in close coordination and expedite action on decisions so that the region catches up with other leading renewable energy developing areas in the country.