Shimla, August 9: In a move aimed at cutting the rising electricity bill of water supply projects, the Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to shift 135 drinking water and irrigation schemes to solar power.
The initiative is being planned by the Jal Shakti Department as part of efforts to reduce dependence on conventional electricity and bring down the recurring cost of operating water schemes.
Himachal Pradesh has thousands of drinking water and irrigation schemes, many of which rely on electrically operated pumps and motors. The department spends a substantial amount on electricity every year, making solar energy an attractive alternative for reducing operational expenditure.
Under the first phase, solar panels will be installed at the identified 135 schemes to generate electricity required for pumping and water supply. The performance and financial savings from these projects will be assessed before considering expansion of the model to more schemes across the state.
The move is expected to be particularly beneficial for schemes with high power consumption. Besides reducing electricity expenditure, the use of renewable energy could help make water-supply infrastructure more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The government is also exploring the possibility of involving private companies in developing solar power facilities for the selected schemes. If the model proves successful, more drinking water and irrigation projects could subsequently be brought under solar energy.
For remote and rural areas, solar-powered water schemes could also help reduce dependence on the conventional power supply and improve the reliability of water infrastructure.
