Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released a 'Solar Awareness Souvenir Booklet' prepared by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) at his camp office on 28 May 2026, describing the initiative as a collective resolve toward building a self-reliant and green Uttarakhand.

Context

At the release event, CM Dhami framed the occasion in global terms, stating that the world is grappling with climate change, an energy crisis, and environmental challenges. He said solar energy is no longer merely an option but 'aane wali peedhiyon ke surakshit bhavishya ki avashyakta' ('a necessity for the safe future of coming generations').

The Chief Minister credited the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, implemented under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the central driver of the state's progress, calling Uttarakhand's achievements under the scheme an inspiration for the country.

Policy backdrop

The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was launched by the central government in February 2024 to accelerate residential rooftop solar installations and reduce household electricity bills through subsidies. It forms part of India's broader push toward 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, a commitment rooted in the country's Paris Agreement obligations.

Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state traditionally reliant on hydropower, has been expanding its solar footprint alongside its water-based generation assets. The CEEW booklet is designed to deepen public awareness and sustain momentum in residential solar adoption across the state.

Achievements and stakeholder impact

CM Dhami stated that the state had achieved its initial target of 40,000 rooftop solar installations ahead of schedule, and that approximately 95 per cent of the total plant target has been completed. He added that since 2024, the state has recorded nearly a 10-fold increase in solar energy capacity, with approximately 290 MW of residential rooftop solar capacity now installed — which he called a historic achievement toward an energy self-reliant Uttarakhand.

The Chief Minister praised the coordinated efforts of UPCL (Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited), UREDA (Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency), regional officers, and all associated departments, calling the success a result of 'Team Uttarakhand's collective commitment.' He also commended awareness drives including Saur Kauthig (solar festivals), street plays, and special officer training programmes for creating a culture of solar awareness across the state.

Present at the event were MLA Suresh Gadiya, Principal Secretary Dr. R. Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Vinay Shankar Pandey, CEEW CEO Dr. Arunabh Ghosh, PITCUL Managing Director Dr. Mehrban Singh Bisht, and UPCL Managing Director G.S. Budiyal.

What's next

CM Dhami said the state government's goal is not merely to install solar plants but to make every citizen an active participant in the clean energy revolution, with wider solar use expected to reduce electricity bills, strengthen environmental protection, and deliver a cleaner future for coming generations. He expressed confidence that Uttarakhand will establish itself as an inspiring and model state for renewable energy at the national level in the years ahead.

With the state claiming a top-tier ranking in PM Surya Ghar Yojana implementation, attention will now turn to whether Uttarakhand sets fresh capacity targets beyond current benchmarks and how it integrates rooftop solar with grid modernisation and renewable purchase obligations.