Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde today inaugurated the first ‘Solar Village’ in the state. The Manyachiwadi village in the Patan Taluka of Satara district has become the first ‘Solar Village’ in Maharashtra.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde asserted that the state government is committed to promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing the dependency on traditional power sources.

He further said that the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lessened the burden of electricity bills in the state. He also mentioned that the state government provides a 90 to 95% subsidy to farmers for setting up solar pump sets under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana.

Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that 12 thousand megawatts of electricity will be generated in the state through solar energy in the next one and a half years. He added that this will ensure that farmers can get free electricity during the day, when most of the agricultural activities are done.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) has announced an ambitious plan to provide up to 100% solar-powered electricity to two villages in each district. Following Manyachiwadi, over 70 other villages across Maharashtra will also be part of this project.