ENA Sectors 2024-06-17 17:57:51 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Guwahati, Jun 17 (KNN)</strong> In a significant step towards sustainable governance, the Assam Secretariat on Sunday inaugurated a 2.5 MW solar power project, becoming the first green state government headquarters in India.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The grid-connected rooftop solar power plant, installed at a cost of Rs 12.5 crore, is expected to generate substantial energy savings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who inaugurated the project, stated that the initiative would result in monthly savings of approximately Rs 30 lakh in electricity bills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The solar installation will power the entire secretariat complex, marking a milestone in Assam's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"> This project represents a giant leap forward in our goal to achieve Net-Zero government operations, CM Sarma said during the official program.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He further announced plans to expand solar power adoption to other government facilities, including medical colleges and universities across the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In addition to the solar project, the state government has introduced measures to optimise power consumption in official complexes.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These include implementing automatic power disconnection at most government offices by 8-9 pm, with exceptions for essential departments such as home, finance, and the Chief Minister's secretariat.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Chief Minister also revealed a policy change regarding electricity bills for government officials. Starting July, ministers, senior officials, and staff residing in official quarters will be responsible for paying their own electricity bills, ending a longstanding practice of government-funded utilities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Following the implementation of these energy-saving initiatives, the Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) will explore the feasibility of reducing power tariffs by Re 1 from April 1, 2025, potentially providing relief to consumers across the state.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The Assam Secretariat's transition to solar power underscores the state's commitment to environmental stewardship and sets a precedent for sustainable infrastructure in government institutions nationwide.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 38243 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/with-25-mw-solar-project-assam-claims-to-have-first-green-secretariat-in-india 2024-06-17 17:57:51 knnindia.co.in