The Assam Secretariat has set a national precedent by becoming the first State Government headquarters in Bharat to fully integrate a green energy solution. This milestone was marked by the inauguration of a 2.5 MW solar power project on its premises, a significant step towards sustainable development, announced Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The rooftop solar power plant, which cost Rs 12.5 crore to install, is grid-connected and is expected to generate substantial savings. According to CM Himanta, the project will reduce the Secretariat’s electricity bills by Rs 30 lakh each month, highlighting the economic benefits of embracing renewable energy sources.
“Today, we took a giant leap forward in our goal to become a Net-Zero Govt, as I inaugurated a 2.5 MW Solar Project in Janata Bhawan, making Assam Green Secretariat, Bharat’s first Green Secretariat,” mentioned the CM in a post on X.
Following this move, the secretariat complex will run completely on solar power, resulting in savings of Rs 30 lakh every month on electricity bills, he added.
The CM said the government plans to install solar panels in all official complexes, beginning with the medical colleges and universities across the State.
The power installations at all government offices will have automatic disconnection facilities at 8-9 pm, except home, finance and CM secretariat, he added.
“So far, the electricity bills of all ministers, senior officials and other staff staying at official quarters were being paid by the government. This 75-year-old practice will stop in July. We will pay our bills on our own,” said CM Himanta.
After implementing all these steps, which will result in saving of cost and power both, the State-run Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) will explore the possibility of reducing power tariff by Re 1 from April 1, 2025 to provide relief to consumers, he added.
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