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| After years of slumber, authorities finally realize importance of solar power | | Former regimes dumped projects, lapsed central funds without remorse | | Early Times Report
Jammu, May 28: After years of slumber, the government here seems to have finally understood the importance of solar energy with over 2200 solar lights installed in various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, during the tenure of the previous regimes solar power used to get least attention and projects were being shelved without remorse.
However, at present, the JAKEDA, as per the reports, has managed to install 2200 SSLs within a short span of 45 days with 285 SSLs in Reasi, 206 in Kishtwar, 230 in Ramban and other districts of Jammu Division and 565 SSLs in Kulgam, 499 in Anantnag, 159 in Bandipora & other districts of Kashmir Division. These solar street lights, being highly energy efficient, conform to the latest technical specification as per the Ministry’s guidelines, and are equipped with Lithium Batteries for better performance and longer life. The SSLs are fully automatic, and operate from Dusk to Dawn without the requirement of switching on and off. The installation of these SSLs shall help in saving 8.4 units of energy annually resulting in saving of Rs.61.32 lakhs yearly. The solarization of J&K by installation of SSLs will contribute towards reduction of 840 tonnes of Carbon Oxide emission annually.
The former regimes in Jammu and Kashmir had in the past installed no more than 1490 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) in the erstwhile state despite the fact that the government of India had sanctioned 5500 SSLs to the state. It means that no more than mere 27 percent of the total sanctioned street lights were being installed. The reason so far has been unknown over such a dilatory mode of functioning with even government preferring not to divulge any further details.
However, the official documents revealed that the government had received around 5500 solar lights that were ought to be installed on vital road links in Jammu and Kashmir. These SSLs were issued by the Government of India under Prime Minister’s development package and were aimed to save electricity, the paucity of which is already hitting the state hard.
However, the official documents divulge that out of the received 5500 SSLs, the state government was not able to even install more than 1490 solar street lights across the erstwhile state. It also meant that mere 27 percent of the received SSLs were put to use.
Pertinently, solar street lights are raised outdoor light sources, which are powered by PV (photovoltaic) panels. These panels are mounted on the lighting structure or connected in the pole. PV panels have a rechargeable battery, providing power to the fluorescent or LED lamp during the entire night. Most of the solar panels automatically sense outdoor light through a light source. These can give off light on successive nights even when the sun’s energy is not available for many days. |
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