The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched a 500 kilowatt ground-based solar power project in Gram Panchayat Mamlig, Solan district through the Green Panchayat Scheme. This project has been set up at an estimated cost of ₹2 crores with the objective of generating clean energy in addition to generating sustained income for the village community.

The solar power project is generating around 3,000 units of electricity per day and it is expected to produce 8 lakh units annually. According to the agreement of purchasing power, the electricity generated from this project will be purchased by Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board at ₹3.50 per unit.

One important aspect of this project is that of revenue sharing. As per the state government, 25 per cent of the money earned will be spent on developmental activities in the gram panchayat. 25 per cent of the money will be spent on the welfare of orphans and widows. 20 per cent of the money will be shared by the state government, 20 per cent by HIMURJA, and 10 per cent will be spent on the operations and maintenance of the solar plant. The gram panchayat is expected to earn about ₹14 lakhs each year from this project.

The 500-kW plant is estimated to have a life of 25 years and is expected to produce energy which will be environment friendly. The initiative will also contribute towards improving the financial state of the panchayat as it will create a long-term source of income from renewable energy sources.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working on to develop the rural economy using renewable energy programs in villages. He added that such programs would increase the self-reliance of the panchayats and help in achieving the status of a green energy state in Himachal Pradesh.