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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 become India’s first border solar village, contributing to India’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 of Banaskantha district under the Border Area Development ProgrCSSamme (BADP), Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
  • - The transformation into a solar-powered community was achieved through the collaborative efforts of the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited, banks, and solar companies.
  • - The project, costing a total of ₹1.16 crore, was financed through a ₹59.81 lakh subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, ₹20.52 lakh from public contributions, and ₹35.67 lakh through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Masali village, situated 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, consists of 119 houses and a population of 800 people. All households are equipped with rooftop solar panels, collectively generating 225.5 kilowatts (KW) of electricity.
  • (ii) Beneficiaries can trade up to ₹1.5 crore at zero brokerage for 60 days through YES Securities.
  • (iii) Launched in February 2024, the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households in India that install rooftop solar units. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is set to be implemented until FY 2026-27. It is being carried out 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 recently became India's first border solar village?

Correct Answer: Masali

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