For years, the narrative of Kashmir’s winter was defined by the struggle for warmth against a backdrop of power deficits. Today, that narrative has been rewritten. Under the visionary leadership of the current administration and the ambitious framework of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Valley is undergoing a historic transition from energy dependence to “Aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant) power production.
The transformation witnessed over the last twelve months is nothing short of a logistical marvel. By the close of 2025, rooftop solar installations in Kashmir surged to an impressive 40 MW capacity—a staggering leap from the mere 2-3 MW recorded just a year prior. This exponential growth is a testament to the efficient “mission-mode” execution by the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and the seamless integration of central subsidies that have made clean energy accessible to over ten thousand households.
This is not just about green energy; it is about the tangible improvement of daily life. The government’s strategic link between grid discipline and service delivery is paying rich dividends. By prioritizing 24-hour power supply to areas with AT&C losses of less than 20%, the administration has created a self-sustaining cycle of accountability and reward. In Srinagar alone, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) has been a game-changer. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently confirmed that nearly 48% of the city covering 108 distinct areas and 1.25 lakh households, now enjoys uninterrupted, 24/7 electricity.
The backbone of this modernization is the aggressive rollout of smart metering. With over 6.52 lakh smart meters installed across Jammu and Kashmir, the era of arbitrary billing and power theft is being replaced by transparency and efficiency. These digital upgrades, funded through the Prime Minister’s Development Package, ensure that every kilowatt produced on a Kashmiri rooftop is accounted for and utilized to stabilize the regional grid.
By turning private rooftops into mini-power stations, the government has empowered the common citizen to be a partner in nation-building. As these solar clusters expand to other districts, the dream of a “Power-Plus” Kashmir is no longer a distant policy goal, it is a reality being bolted onto rooftops every single day. This is a masterclass in how proactive governance can harmonize environmental goals with the immediate needs of the people.
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