Explore innovative, practical solar energy solutions for J&K: Satish Sharma

SRINAGAR : In a bid to accelerate the Government’s renewable energy initiatives, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma on thursday paid a surprise visit to ‘Tawanai Ghar’ of the Science & Technology (S&T) Department at Bemina here and took stock of its functioning.
During the visit, the Minister directed the concerned officers to explore innovative and practical solar energy solutions that could be implemented across Jammu and Kashmir. He underlined that Mission Solar Energy, envisioned by the Chief Minister of J&K, requires dedicated efforts from all stakeholders to achieve self-reliance in the renewable energy sector.
“The Government is committed to making Jammu & Kashmir a model in the adoption of renewable energy technologies. Solar energy has vast potential here, and it is our duty to harness it in a scientific and result-oriented manner,” Satish Sharma maintained.
He instructed the department to prepare detailed proposals and implementation roadmaps focusing on expanding solar installations in government buildings, public institutions, and public utilities, promoting household-level adoption of solar energy through incentives and collaborating with research institutions and private stakeholders to innovate cost-effective solutions. He also asked them to ensure timely completion of ongoing renewable energy projects under various government schemes.
Satish Sharma also took stock of the issues and grievances of the employees of the department. He assured that their genuine demands will be addressed on priority and directed senior officers to maintain a supportive working environment.
He stressed that employee welfare is directly linked with efficiency and productivity, and the Government stands committed to resolving service-related matters in a time-bound manner.
Reiterating the Government’s focus on sustainable growth, Sharma said that adoption of solar and other renewable sources of energy will not only reduce dependence on conventional power but also help protect the fragile ecology of Jammu & Kashmir.
He urged the officials to work with renewed zeal and accountability so that the vision of the Chief Minister in making Jammu and Kashmir a clean energy hub becomes a reality.
CEO JAKEDA, P.R. Dhar and other senior officers of Science and Technology Department were also present on the occasion.