Yogi government’s solar rooftop scheme made UP the third largest solar energy producing state in the country. With 13 lakh applications, 976.21 MW capacity and 54 thousand employment, this scheme became a successful model of electricity saving, employment and environment protection.
Lucknow. There used to be times of darkness in the villages of Uttar Pradesh as soon as the evening falls. Poor lighting, expensive electricity bills and uncertain supply were common in homes. But Yogi government set a target to change this situation. The objective was not just to provide electricity, but to bring new light, hope and prosperity to every home. This thinking gave birth to a big revolution of solar energy in the state, which made UP the third largest state in the country in solar energy production.
Solar rooftop scheme got tremendous support
When the scheme was launched, it was not expected that the public would adopt it so fast. 13,46,040 applications were received in the state, which proved that people were ready for change. 2,81,769 solar rooftop plants were installed in just 18 months and 1,30,000 new installations took place in the last 4.5 months. After this, Uttar Pradesh reached third place in solar energy production after Maharashtra and Gujarat.
976.21 MW capacity and benefits to lakhs of consumers
So far 976.21 MW rooftop solar capacity has been installed in the state. This scheme has directly benefited 2,85,025 consumers. Earlier, where the electricity bill of houses used to come up to Rs 1500, now by installing solar system, huge savings are being made every month. In rural areas, this savings is being used for farming and domestic needs, while in urban areas, small business and electricity-based enterprises have got a new strength.
Solar energy becomes a big base in employment generation
The solar revolution has not only increased lighting in homes, but has also opened new avenues of employment for thousands of youth. More than 54,000 youth have got direct employment in Uttar Pradesh. Lakhs of jobs were created across the country in industries like solar module manufacturing, inverter, wiring, installation, logistics and supply chain. This scheme has brought employment along with electricity.
Strong model of economic growth and environmental protection
Free electricity, household savings and employment – this scheme built on these three bases will contribute thousands of crores of rupees to the GDP of UP in the next 25 years. More than 40 lakh units of solar power is being produced daily, which has reduced energy costs and increased the competitiveness of businesses. There has been a huge reduction in carbon emissions, which gives benefits equivalent to millions of trees for environmental protection.
Varanasi’s Dr. S.K. Srivastava believes that along with saving electricity and money from solar plant, government subsidy is a big benefit. There is also hope of reduction in respiratory diseases due to benefit to the environment. Imtiaz Ahmed of Daniyalpur said that it was difficult to set up a solar plant without the subsidy of the Yogi government.
Model of balanced development with land conservation
4000 acres of land was required to build the solar park, which was decided to be reserved for agriculture, water conservation and public interests. This shows that a model of taking both development and environmental protection together has been adopted.