Centre allocated 50 solar street lighting systems for Assam

The Centre says during 2007-08 a total of 750 solar home lighting systems, 50 solar street lighting systems and 500 solar lanterns have been allocated to Assam.

In addition, projects have also been sanctioned for electrification /lighting of 555 villages through solar energy systems.

Official records has it that ministry of new and renewable energy is implementing several programmes to promote use of solar energy devices and systems in the country including the Solar Photovoltaic Programme, Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Programme, Solar Lantern Programme, and Solar Thermal Energy Programme. On the basis of proposals received from the States agencies and the availability of funds the ministry allocates targets to them.

In addition, under the Remote Village Electrification programme unelectrified census villages are electrified through renewable energy systems or provided solar lighting, the proposals for which are considered by the Ministry on case to case basis.

Also, sources say there is no proposal to formulate any special scheme to provide solar energy systems in the remote villages of Assam. 2139 villages in Assam including those in Chhar areas have been identified by the State for coverage through renewable energy sources, including solar energy systems.