Poonch-Haveli Included, Govt Tells House
By Asif Rashid
Jammu: The Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that a total of 6,999 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) are being procured during the financial year 2025–26 under an ongoing programme aimed at promoting renewable energy and strengthening public lighting infrastructure across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Replying to a starred question raised by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan, the Science & Technology Department clarified that each Assembly Constituency has been earmarked a minimum allocation of 50 Solar Street Lights and rejected claims that Poonch-Haveli Constituency had been ignored in the distribution process.
The department stated that out of the total 6,999 Solar Street Lights being procured:
• 4,500 SSLs have been earmarked at the rate of a minimum of 50 lights per Assembly Constituency across J&K.
• 650 SSLs are being installed in 25 migrant camps to improve civic amenities for displaced populations.
• The remaining lights are proposed for installation in border and other priority areas of the Union Territory based on site feasibility and requisitions received from time to time.
The Government emphasized that the distribution framework has been designed to ensure equitable allocation across all constituencies.
Addressing concerns regarding Poonch-Haveli Constituency, the Government clarified that material for installation has already been delivered in Poonch District, which includes the Poonch-Haveli segment.
The department confirmed that:
• A proposal seeking 70 Solar Street Lights was received from the office of the Hon’ble MLA of Poonch-Haveli.
• Against the proposed quantity of 70, 50 Solar Street Lights have already been delivered.
• Installation work is scheduled to commence shortly.
• The installation process is expected to be completed within February 2026.
The Government reiterated that the constituency has not been overlooked and is being covered under the ongoing programme.
• In 47 constituencies of Kashmir Province, around 2,500 Solar Street Lights have already been received for installation.
• In 43 constituencies of Jammu Province, the material has been partially received and installation work is presently underway in various areas.
• The supply of all remaining material is expected to be completed by the end of February 2026.
• Installation of all Solar Street Lights across J&K is targeted for completion by March 2026, subject to timely identification and finalization of sites by respective MLAs.
Officials noted that coordination between local representatives and implementing agencies is crucial for timely completion of the programme.
Responding to a query regarding establishment of solar power plants in border villages, the Government stated that, at present, no proposal has been formulated by the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) under the Science & Technology Department for setting up such plants in border areas.
However, the department highlighted alternative initiatives aimed at expanding renewable energy adoption across the Union Territory.
Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, residential consumers are eligible to install rooftop solar power systems up to 3 KW capacity with a subsidy of 60 percent. The scheme is being facilitated through JKPDCL and is intended to encourage decentralized renewable energy generation at the household level.
Officials stated that the scheme provides a viable alternative for residents, including those living in border areas, to reduce dependence on conventional grid power.
In addition to street lighting initiatives, JAKEDA is implementing a comprehensive programme to solarise feasible Government buildings across Jammu & Kashmir in a phased manner.
According to the department:
• Government buildings covered under the Capex Mode are targeted for solarisation by June 2026.
• Buildings taken up under the RESCO Mode are scheduled for completion by March 2027.
The initiative aims to reduce conventional energy consumption, lower electricity expenditure and promote long-term sustainability in public infrastructure.
The Government maintained that the ongoing procurement and installation of Solar Street Lights forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen renewable energy infrastructure, improve public lighting in rural and urban areas, and enhance safety and mobility in underserved regions.
The department added that timely completion of the programme depends on site readiness, coordination with local authorities, and smooth logistical supply of equipment.
With installation work progressing across both Jammu and Kashmir provinces, the Government has set March 2026 as the overall deadline for completing the solar street lighting programme across the Union Territory.
