Uttara Kannada Moves Toward Energy Self-Reliance with Solar Initiative

 Karwar: Uttara Kannada district is taking significant steps toward achieving energy self-reliance by installing solar panels on government buildings under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. This initiative aims to promote sustainable energy by setting up solar units on the rooftops of 2,551 government buildings across the district. According to HESCOM, the district has 2,697 government buildings. Among these, 73 buildings have already been solar-electrified through various schemes, while another 73 have been deemed unsuitable for installation. A survey is currently underway to assess the feasibility of installing solar units on the remaining 2,551 buildings.

The project has made notable progress across HESCOM divisions. In the Sirsi division, 25 out of 650 buildings have been solar-electrified, and 625 are suitable for installations. In the Dandeli division, 26 of 537 buildings have completed solar electrification, with 510 identified for further installations. Similarly, in the Karwar division, 12 of 1,359 buildings are solar-powered, while 1,277 are deemed suitable for installations. In the Honnavar division, 10 out of 151 buildings are solar-equipped, with 139 suitable for installations. Presently, solar units on 73 electrified buildings generate a total of 406.86 kW of electricity, with a target of producing 73,299 kW from the identified buildings.

A comprehensive survey of government building rooftops, including those of Zilla Panchayat offices, schools, anganwadis, health centers, and police stations, is in progress.

The Public Works Department is providing precise data to HESCOM to expedite the implementation of the project. Deepak Kamath, Superintending Engineer, HESCOM, Sirsi, stated that once the survey is complete, installations on government rooftops will proceed swiftly. This initiative not only supports the district's transition to energy independence but also aligns with broader environmental goals by leveraging renewable energy sources.

Officials have highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of solar energy, noting that it is a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to conventional power sources.

Installing solar units not only reduces reliance on non-renewable energy but also optimizes rooftop spaces for productive use. Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, the government aims to install rooftop solar units for 1 crore households nationwide, providing up to 300 free or low-cost electricity units monthly.

In Uttara Kannada, 1,849 residents have applied for rooftop solar installations, and Heble village in Bhatkal taluk has been proposed as a model solar village. Additionally, solar pump sets are being installed for 79 irrigation systems in the district.