Going Green With Solar in Rural Punjab
Managing Director of SECI – Solar Energy Corporation of India, Jatindra Nath Swain, IAS inaugurated the 1.2 MWp solar power project at Akal University in Bathinda. In his address, Mr. Swain said that this solar project, which is the largest for any rural educational institution, displays the forward thinking of an educational organization like Kalgidhar Society. The Project was inaugurated by Mr. Swain by pressing a button. He was accompanied by Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, Dr. Davinder Singh (Secretary of Kalgidhar Society) and Dr. Gurmail Singh, Vice chancellor of Akal University. This Project would generate more than 80% of power requirements of the Akal University and 13 Akal Academies. This project has been built at a total cost of Rs. 5.2 crores, out of which the Ministry of non-conventional energy has provided a total subsidy of around Rs. 1.7 crores. Akal University Talwandi Sabo is run by the Kalgidhar Society headquartered at Baru Sahib near Rajgarh in Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh. The Kalgidhar Society, is presently running 129 Akal Academies and 3 universities in rural areas of in north Indian states of Himachal, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Swain further added that Solar Energy Corporation of India has made a great progress for the vision of 100 GW by 2022. He said “Solar power generation is a measure of sustainability and I am happy to see that Kalgidhar Society is harnessing the sun for making education system more sustainable. Along with Solar, we also need to pay attention towards water conservation and rain water harvesting to tackle the problem of climate change.” This Solar power plant project will reduce 35,000 metric tons of Carbon emission over 25 years thus making the planet more green. Annual savings in power bills will be more than Rs. 1 crore. The carbon reduction impact of the project during its life time is equivalent to planting of 82,000 Trees which will add to conservation of energy and environment, said J.P. Singh, Solar Consultant for the project. The Kalgidhar Society, has so far set up a total of 59 solar power plants in its Akal Academies in the region, in order to meet its energy demand from clean fuel. The society is well known for its sustainability approach, green initiatives and solar village at Baru Sahib campus and has commissioned this particular project in 14 locations, including Akal University and 13 Akal Academies. The Kalgidhar Society was bestowed with the Solar Award as well in 2016 by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, said Dr. Davinder Singh, Secretary of Kalgidhar Society.
