Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta inaugurated the UT Ladakh Solar Rooftop Scheme for Commercial Establishments at the Conference Hall, Lt Governor’s Secretariat on September 19, marking a major step towards sustainable energy adoption in the Union Territory.

Speaking at the event, the Lt Governor highlighted that solar rooftops not only reduce operational costs through lower electricity bills but also cut carbon emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and leverage Ladakh’s abundant sunlight for high-efficiency energy generation. He said this transition from conventional energy to solar power will foster energy independence, strengthen sustainability, and advance the vision of a carbon-neutral Ladakh.

Gupta emphasized that extending the scheme to the commercial sector will benefit Ladakh’s hospitality industry. Hotels and guest houses, long reliant on costly and polluting diesel or kerosene generators, can now switch to clean energy, lower their carbon footprint, attract eco-conscious tourists, and improve operational efficiency.

“The UT Administration has launched this scheme in response to the commercial sector’s demands, where high electricity tariffs have been a persistent challenge. Modeled on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana for residential households, it is tailored to support commercial establishments,” he added.

Officials from the Power Development Department (PDD) outlined the scheme’s salient features, including eligibility criteria, energy accounting mechanisms, consumer growth projections, subsidy provisions, system capacities, metering protocols, monitoring and inspection procedures, and disbursement frameworks.

The inauguration was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, representatives from the All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, and senior PDD officials.