Rs 5,50 solar electrification project for Gurez in J

Srinagar, Oct 14 (UNI) A Rs 5.50 crore rural electrification project was today launched in border tehsil of Gurez, where people of 27 villages lead their lines in darkness.

Union Minister for Water Resources Professor Saif-ud-Din Soz, who is also Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president, accompanied by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, launched the project during his visit to far-flung and remote areas of Gurez, an official spokesman said.

He said the project has been sanctioned in favour of Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 5.5 crores, of which the government of India has provided a central share of Rs 4.5 crore in favour of JAKEDA for implementing the project.

Prof Soz formally launched the project yesterday by distributing solar lights amongst 18 families of village Koragbal, the first un-electrified hamlet in Tehsil Gurez.

He said the sanction for this project was obtained from the MNRE, Government of India by the JAKEDA.

He said there are 27 un-electrified villages in the tehsil where there is no grid power and, therefore, the solar lighting intervention is aimed at improving the quality of life of people in the far-flung and un-electrified villages of the tehsil.

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