Shillong, July 15: In a move to expand the use of renewable energy and strengthen rural infrastructure, the Meghalaya New & Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) has initiated the installation of solar power systems at 63 BharatNet Phase-1 sites across the state.

These installations are currently in progress and cover government schools, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centres, and community halls.

The initiative aims to provide a reliable and sustainable power supply to BharatNet infrastructure, which is crucial for improving digital connectivity in rural areas. Among the 63 locations, solarisation is underway at 22 government lower primary schools. At the remaining sites, which include eight secondary schools, four ICDS centres, and 29 community halls, installation work has begun at selected locations and is ongoing.

In addition to the BharatNet-linked solar rollout, MNREDA has also launched the solarisation of lower primary schools under the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission. In East Garo Hills, a total of 125 schools are being solarised using off-grid inverter systems, with 72 schools receiving 1.1 kVA systems and 53 schools receiving 2.2 kVA systems. A similar project is set to begin in East Jaintia Hills, where 123 lower primary schools will be solarised — 72 with 1.1 kVA systems and 51 with 2.2 kVA systems.

Efforts are also underway to bring solar power to rural households under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). In East Khasi Hills, particularly in the Mylliem Block, hybrid solar inverter systems are being installed for 492 beneficiaries. These include 352 systems of 0.85 kVA and 140 systems of 1.7 kVA. Installation will also begin soon in North and East Garo Hills for 354 beneficiaries, covering 253 systems of 0.85 kVA and 101 systems of 1.7 kVA.

The government sees these initiatives as part of its broader commitment to inclusive rural development through the use of clean energy. By improving access to sustainable power and digital services, these projects are expected to enhance the quality of life in rural Meghalaya while supporting environmental goals and economic empowerment.

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