Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): The Green Panchayat initiative in Himachal Pradesh has now taken a concrete shape on the ground, with Dharech Gram Panchayat in Kasumpti Assembly constituency, district Shimla, becoming the state’s first fully developed Green Panchayat to successfully commission a 500 kW solar energy project.
The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his visit to the Kasumpti constituency. Built at a cost of approximately ₹1.94 crore, the solar project began construction in January 2025 and was successfully connected to the electricity grid on March 30, 2026.
According to the Chief Minister, the plant is currently generating around 3,000 units of clean energy daily, with an estimated annual production of nearly 8 lakh units. Under the agreement, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited will purchase this electricity at ₹3.50 per unit, ensuring both energy security and financial sustainability.
The project is expected to generate an annual revenue of nearly ₹28 lakh for the Gram Panchayat, marking a significant step toward financial self-reliance at the local level.
The Chief Minister described the initiative as an inclusive and welfare-oriented model aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions. As per the revenue-sharing structure, 30% of earnings will be used for panchayat development works, 20% for welfare of widows and orphans, 20% for the state government, 10% for HIMURJA, and 20% for operation and maintenance under HIMURJA.
He further stated that with an estimated lifespan of 25 years, the project will play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development, clean energy adoption, and rural empowerment in Himachal Pradesh, directly benefiting local communities and improving their economic conditions.
