Chhattisgarh has taken another significant step towards rural clean energy adoption, with Thenhi village in Dhamtari district becoming the first village in the district to receive a community solar power plant under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The initiative marks an important milestone in promoting energy self-reliance and expanding access to renewable energy in rural India.
A 142 kW community solar plant has been installed in the village, enabling around 71–72 households to receive electricity free of cost under the Central Government’s flagship rooftop solar scheme. The project is expected to substantially reduce electricity expenses for beneficiary families while encouraging the use of sustainable and clean energy.
Major Step Towards Rural Energy Self-Reliance
The community solar project has been developed as part of the Government of India’s broader vision to accelerate renewable energy adoption across the country while improving the quality of life in rural communities.
Unlike individual rooftop systems, the community solar model allows multiple households to benefit from a single large solar installation, making clean energy more accessible, particularly in villages where individual installations may not always be feasible.
Officials believe the initiative will serve as a model for other rural regions looking to transition towards affordable and sustainable electricity.
First of Many Community Solar Projects
According to Additional Collector Indra Naveen Singh, Thenhi is the first village in Dhamtari district to receive a community solar plant under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The 142 kW facility has been designed to provide free electricity to nearly 72 families while strengthening the district’s renewable energy infrastructure.
District officials said the success of the project has encouraged the administration to expand the initiative to more villages across the region.
Expansion Planned Across Dhamtari
Dhamtari Collector Abinash Mishra said the Thenhi project represents an important beginning in the district’s green energy journey. He described the village as a model for promoting energy self-reliance and clean power generation in rural areas.
Building on its success, the district administration plans to establish similar community solar plants in 25 additional villages across the Dhamtari district, particularly in the Nagri block, significantly expanding access to renewable electricity.
The expansion is expected to reduce dependence on conventional power sources while supporting India’s broader renewable energy and climate goals.
Supporting India’s Clean Energy Mission
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which aims to encourage widespread adoption of solar energy, lower household electricity costs and promote sustainable development.
Community solar projects such as the one in Thenhi are increasingly being viewed as an effective solution for accelerating rural electrification while contributing to India’s transition towards cleaner and greener energy systems.
With plans to replicate the model across more villages, Chhattisgarh is positioning itself as an emerging example of how renewable energy can strengthen rural development, improve energy access and support long-term environmental sustainability.
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