Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye and others during the review meeting of the Nagaland Solar Mission with empanelled vendors held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on June 16. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, June 16 (MExN): Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, on Tuesday called for greater public participation in advancing solar energy adoption in the state, stating that Nagaland's transition to renewable energy would require collective efforts from government agencies, vendors and consumers.
Speaking at a review meeting of the Nagaland Solar Mission with empanelled vendors held at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, the Minister said that solar energy remains a relatively new concept for many people in the state despite Nagaland's immense potential for harnessing renewable energy resources.
While acknowledging that shifting from conventional sources of energy would be challenging, he stressed the need for widespread awareness and active public participation to promote solar power adoption. He also lauded empanelled vendors for their role in creating awareness and encouraging consumers to embrace solar energy.
Kenye expressed satisfaction over the increasing number of solar installations in the state and said rooftop solar systems would be made affordable and accessible. He further noted that wider adoption of solar energy could help mitigate Nagaland's persistent power shortages and provide a more reliable and sustainable source of energy.
Chairing the meeting, Principal Secretary for Power, Dr KD Vizo, urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to achieve the state's target of 10,900 rooftop solar installations under the mission.
Describing the target as ambitious, he said the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Dr Vizo said the programme would not only increase renewable energy generation but also help reduce electricity costs for consumers and address energy-related challenges in the state. Emphasising collective action, he called on the private sector, vendors and the public to actively participate in the mission and assured departmental support in addressing implementation challenges.
During the meeting, Team Leader of the Nagaland Solar Mission, Er R Lobosang Jamir, presented the status and performance of the mission, while vendors highlighted concerns and challenges faced in implementation.
Kenye also presented certificates of appreciation to the three best-performing vendors—Elmechent, Aboriginal and Symbios Green Energy.
The meeting was attended by members of the Solar Mission Cell, the Nagaland Solar Mission team and empanelled vendors, according to a DIPR report.
