Himachal Pradesh has taken another step towards promoting clean energy and sustainable rural development with the inauguration of a 500-kilowatt ground-mounted solar power project at Mamlig Panchayat in Solan district under the Green Panchayat Scheme. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu virtually inaugurated the project from Shimla on Tuesday.
Developed at a cost of ₹2 crore, the solar power project is expected to generate an annual income of approximately ₹14 lakh for the Gram Panchayat while contributing to the state’s renewable energy goals. Construction of the project commenced on December 23, 2024, and it was successfully connected to the electricity grid on February 24, 2026.
Addressing the inauguration, Chief Minister Sukhu said the project is currently generating nearly 3,000 units of electricity per day and is expected to produce around 8 lakh units of clean electricity annually. Under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the electricity generated will be purchased by the state utility at ₹3.50 per unit, ensuring a stable and long-term revenue stream for the Panchayat.
One of the project’s key highlights is its community-centric revenue sharing model, designed to ensure that the financial benefits directly support local development and welfare. According to the distribution framework, 25% of the revenue will be utilised for Panchayat development works, 25% will be allocated for the welfare of orphans and widows, 20% will go to the State Government, 20% to HIMURJA, and the remaining 10% will be used for the project’s operation and maintenance.
The initiative is being hailed as a model for integrating renewable energy with rural development, combining clean power generation with social welfare and community empowerment. By creating a sustainable source of income for local bodies, the project is expected to strengthen village infrastructure while supporting environmental conservation.
Health Minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhaniram Shandil, who attended the programme at Mamlig, thanked the Chief Minister for promoting innovative development initiatives in the state. He said the government is introducing significant reforms across sectors, including education, healthcare and renewable energy. Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania was also present during the virtual inauguration in Shimla.
The Mamlig solar project is expected to serve as a replicable model for other Gram Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh, demonstrating how renewable energy can generate long-term economic, environmental and social benefits for rural communities.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information. Readers are advised to refer to official government announcements for detailed project information.
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