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Gujarat's Masali Becomes India's First Border Solar Village.

National | Dated: 29 Dec 2024

Masali village in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, has recently become India's first border solar village, contributing to the nation’s solar energy program aimed at achieving self-reliance in the energy sector and promoting a sustainable future through renewable energy.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Masali is one of 17 villages in Banaskantha district under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
  • - The transformation of Masali into a solar-powered community is the result of joint efforts by the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited, banks, and solar companies.
  • - The project, with a total investment of Rs 1.16 crore, is financed through a Rs 59.81 lakh subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, supplemented by Rs 20.52 lakh in public contributions and Rs 35.67 lakh from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Masali village is located 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, with 119 houses and 800 residents. All houses are equipped with rooftop solar panels generating a total of 225.5 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.
  • (ii) The scheme, introduced in February 2024, seeks to provide free electricity to one crore households in India by installing rooftop solar units, granting up to 300 units of free electricity per month.
  • (iii) The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, is set to be implemented until FY 2026-27. Its execution will be managed by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which village in Gujarat has recently become India’s first border solar village?

Correct Answer: Masali

🚀 Quick Recap: