Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a 500-KW solar power project in the Dharech gram panchayat in the Kasumpti Assembly constituency in Shimla district. This project marks a significant step towards sustainable development as stated by the Chief Minister. Dharech has now become Himachal Pradesh’s first ‘green panchayat’ with this achievement.
Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 1.94 crore, the project started in January 2025 and was connected to the electricity grid on March 30, 2026. The solar power plant is currently producing about 3,000 units of clean energy per day, with an expected annual production of nearly eight lakh units. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd will purchase this electricity at a rate of Rs 3.50 per unit, aiming to generate an annual income of around Rs 28 lakh for the gram panchayat.
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that this initiative is a welfare-oriented model that promotes rural self-reliance. The revenue generated will be distributed for various purposes, with a focus on development works of the gram panchayat, welfare of orphans and widows, state government support, and operation and maintenance of Himurja. This project, designed to last 25 years, plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable development, clean energy, and rural empowerment in the state, benefiting local residents and enhancing their economic well-being.
