CEC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan flagged off solar water heaters and other renewable energy devices for distribution at Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA) Office, Kurbathang on May 20.

CEC said that the use of solar water heaters and other renewable energy devices will help in saving tonnes of carbon dioxide and ultimately help in making Ladakh a carbon-neutral region.

Khan advised the beneficiaries to use the equipment properly so that they get benefit from it. He also directed the concerned department not to compromise on the quality of the equipment and ensure their maintenance.

He also instructed the Councilors to ensure that all the products under the Subsidy Component should be distributed at the earliest so that it reaches the beneficiaries.

LAHDC Kargil had proposed solar water heaters and other renewable devices which include solar home lighting, electric flour mill, solar street light, and various other renewable devices to procure under a subsidy scheme through the Councilor quota procured by KREDA.

The scheme had been implemented based on 25:75 shares. The 25 percent cost of solar water heaters and other renewable devices has to be borne by the beneficiaries while the rest 75 percent cost has been sanctioned under the scheme.

Project Director and CEO, KREDA, Kacho Ahmed Khan said that 5-year manufacturing operation and maintenance have been ensured for each device.

It was also informed that in the financial year 2021-2022, 1,218 solar water heaters of 100 LPD and 577, 200 LPD had been distributed. In the same year, 70 solar home lightings, 188 solar street lights, and 2 solar high mast have been distributed.

In the previous financial year, 2022-2023, 995 solar water heaters of 100 LPD and 930 solar water heaters of 200 LPD are under distribution. In the current financial year, 245 solar home lighting, 12 electric floor mills, and 13 solar street lights are under the process of distribution.

Similarly, for the current financial year 2023-2024, 110 solar water heaters of 100 LPD and 250 solar water heaters of 200 LPD have been proposed. For the same financial year, 120 solar home lighting, 6 electric floor mills, 10 solar butter churners, 03 electric scooters, and 20 solar street lights have been proposed.