Solar power enhances rural connectivity and development in Meghalaya

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) is spearheading a major renewable energy initiative aimed at improving rural connectivity and infrastructure across the state through solar power installations.

As part of the BharatNet project, MNREDA is currently solarising 22 government Lower Primary Schools. Work has also commenced at selected sites for eight secondary schools, four Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres, and 29 community halls.

The agency is implementing solar power systems across 63 BharatNet-1 sites in Meghalaya. “This initiative includes schools, ICDS centres, and community halls,” said the Director of MNREDA. “Our aim is to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for BharatNet infrastructure, which will help improve digital connectivity and promote clean energy use in rural areas,” he added.

Further, under the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, solarisation of Lower Primary Schools has begun in East Garo Hills. A total of 125 schools are being equipped with off-grid inverter systems—72 with 1.1 kVA systems and 53 with 2.2 kVA systems.

The mission will also be extended to East Jaintia Hills, where 123 schools (72 with 1.1 kVA systems and 51 with 2.2 kVA systems) will be similarly solarized.

In addition, solar hybrid inverter systems are being installed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for household electrification. In East Khasi Hills (Mylliem Block), 492 beneficiaries will receive systems—352 with 0.85 kVA and 140 with 1.7 kVA. Installation will also cover 354 households in North and East Garo Hills, with 253 systems of 0.85 kVA and 101 systems of 1.7 kVA.

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