Jammu, March 11 (NationPress) The 'PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana' is swiftly gaining traction in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, with a growing number of residents enrolling in this Central government initiative.

According to official figures, over 700 households have successfully installed solar panels on their rooftops, while many others remain on a waiting list, eager to access clean and affordable energy. This initiative has not only reduced their electricity expenses but has also made a significant, albeit silent, contribution towards environmental conservation.

Anuj Gupta, Assistant Executive Engineer from the Power Development Department (PDD) in Udhampur, informed IANS that the district has already seen the installation of more than 700 rooftop solar panels, with additional installations planned.

He remarked, "Residents who have adopted solar energy are reaping substantial benefits. Their electricity costs have noticeably dropped since the installation of these panels. It's crucial for people to recognize that this is a central government program and to take full advantage of it. This initiative can help you considerably lower your electricity bills while promoting clean energy."

Several beneficiaries have shared their positive experiences with the scheme, highlighting the significant reduction in their electricity bills.

One beneficiary, Satish Khajuria, stated, "We installed solar panels through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. The advantages are numerous. We financed it for about Rs 10,000, while the total cost is around Rs 2 lakh. The government offers a subsidy between Rs 85,000 and 90,000. Most importantly, the electricity generated feeds directly into the grid, which lowers our electricity bill. Since the installation, our bill has not gone above Rs 150."

Another beneficiary, Raghav Chauhan, echoed similar sentiments, sharing that he installed two solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and received subsidies for both.

He noted, "My electricity bill used to range from Rs 4,000 to 5,000, but now it has drastically fallen. We're saving approximately Rs 4,000 to 5,000 monthly."

Rajesh Chauhan praised the scheme, saying, "It's extremely beneficial. Our previous electricity bills were between Rs 4,000 and 5,000, but now it only amounts to Rs 50 to 80. Everyone should seize this opportunity."

Women have also expressed satisfaction with the initiative. Renu Khajuria shared that her family's electricity bill has significantly decreased after the installation of solar panels.

She mentioned, "We installed solar panels in our home, and it has proven to be very advantageous. Our previous electricity bill was excessively high, but it has now decreased considerably. Almost all our household activities are easily managed with these solar panels."

It's noteworthy that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which was launched in 2024, aims to provide free electricity to households nationwide.