Satish Sharma reviews progress of Science & Technology initiatives

Srinagar, Jul 28: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, Tuesday reviewed the progress of key renewable energy, science and technology initiatives being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the Government’s commitment to accelerate sustainable development, clean energy adoption and scientific innovation across the Union Territory.
The Minister had a comprehensive review of the flagship programmes being executed by the Department of Science & Technology, Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC). These included rooftop solarisation of government buildings, small hydro power projects, PM-KUSUM implementation, biotechnology infrastructure and science outreach initiatives.
Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology Babila Rakwal, CEO JAKEDA P.R.Dhar and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
Reviewing the progress under the flagship Solarization of Government Buildings Programme, Satish Sharma expressed satisfaction over the remarkable achievement registered under the CAPEX and RESCO models. He was informed that 8,181 government buildings have already been solarized with a cumulative installed capacity of 85.8 MW, placing Jammu and Kashmir 3rd among 31 States and Union Territories in the country in terms of the number of government buildings solarized.
The Minister was informed that under the CAPEX mode, 65 MW capacity has been allocated for 5,600 government buildings, of which 3,388 buildings have already been solarized with an installed capacity of 46.8 MW. In addition, material for 1,462 buildings has already been supplied while installations in another 800 buildings are in transit. Under the RESCO mode, implementation is progressing with a target capacity of 175 MW covering nearly 8,000 government buildings, with work orders already issued for 1,360 buildings.
Describing the achievement as a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s clean energy journey, Satish Sharma said that expanding renewable energy infrastructure is vital for reducing carbon emissions, lowering electricity costs and making government institutions energy efficient.
“The remarkable progress achieved in rooftop solarisation demonstrates the commitment of the government towards sustainable development. Jammu and Kashmir is steadily emerging as a frontrunner in renewable energy adoption and we will continue to strengthen these initiatives with greater speed and transparency,” the Minister said.
Reviewing the implementation of PM-KUSUM Component-B, the Minister was informed that against the sanctioned target of 5,000 solar-powered agricultural pumps, applications have been received for 4,891 pumps, while 4,876 pumps have already been installed and commissioned, with only 15 installations remaining under implementation. He said the initiative is transforming agriculture by providing farmers with reliable, environment-friendly and affordable irrigation facilities.
The Minister also reviewed the status of renewable energy infrastructure across the Union Territory. He was informed that around 250 MW rooftop solar capacity has either been installed or is under installation across government buildings, while 125 MW of grid-connected solar power has been added by JAKEDA. Besides, 33 MW rooftop solar systems have been installed under the MNRE scheme across nearly 5,500 households, over 70,000 solar street lights and 15,000 solar home lights have been installed during the last three years and 2,214 government schools have been solarized with an installed capacity of approximately 8 MW. The department has also commissioned seven small hydro projects with a cumulative capacity of 35.25 MW.
Reviewing the small hydro power programme, Satish Sharma was informed that 58 hydro power projects with a cumulative potential of 323.90 MW have already been identified through finalized DPRs across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He was further informed that 32 hydro project sites with a capacity of 62 MW have already been awarded during 2025, while additional projects are planned for implementation during 2026-2030.
The Minister emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir possesses enormous hydro power potential. He directed the concerned agencies to expedite execution of the identified projects so that remote and hilly regions receive reliable, locally generated clean energy.
Satish Sharma also reviewed the progress of infrastructure projects being implemented by the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC).
The Minister was informed that construction of the Sub-Regional Science Centre at Lal Mandi, Srinagar has reached nearly 85 per cent completion, while work is also progressing on the Science Innovation Dissemination Centre (SIDC), which is being developed to provide world-class facilities for innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs.
Reviewing the biotechnology infrastructure, the Minister was informed that the Industrial Biotechnology Park at Kathua has been completed and operationalization has commenced in collaboration with IIIM Jammu, while construction of the Industrial Biotechnology Park at Handwara has reached around 85 per cent completion. He directed the concerned authorities to resolve pending issues so that the project is completed and dedicated to the youth and scientific community at the earliest.
The Minister also reviewed initiatives relating the science popularization, sponsored research programmes, science talent promotion, bio-farms and other innovation-driven schemes being implemented by JKSTIC.
“Our vision is to build a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and innovation-driven Jammu and Kashmir. Investments in renewable energy, scientific research, biotechnology and innovation infrastructure will not only strengthen the public service delivery but also generate employment opportunities, promote entrepreneurship and contribute significantly towards economic growth,” the Minister said.
The Minister directed the officers to maintain strict timelines for all ongoing projects, ensure effective utilization of public resources and continuously monitor implementation so that the benefit of these initiatives reach the people in a timely and efficient manner.