Odisha Raj Bhavan Aims To Solarise Its Building

Odisha Raj Bhavan is now looking towards increased adoption of solar energy to shun the use of energy derived from solar energy. Source: Raj Bhavan

Odisha Raj Bhavan is now looking towards increased adoption of solar energy to shun the use of energy derived from solar energy. Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati in a press conferencd informed reporters about the plan of the institution to go for solar.

He cited the installation of a 150-kilowatt solar power plant at Raj Bhavan, with another 400 kW in the pipeline, as a step towards making the premises a net-zero energy campus. He also urged citizens to embrace renewable energy to curb pollution, conserve foreign exchange, and build a sustainable future.

Speaking at a press conference at Raj Bhavan, the Governor highlighted the need to transition from conventional energy sources to clean alternatives. Kambhampati also introduced a fleet of Made-in-India electric vehicles, including cars and two-wheelers, for official use. “Every ride now contributes to a cleaner and more responsible tomorrow,” he said, calling on citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices.

The Governor noted that Raj Bhavan’s green transition is a model for government institutions nationwide. He also outlined central schemes promoting renewable energy, including:

• PM-KUSUM Yojana, which supports solar-powered irrigation pumps for farmers.

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers rooftop solar subsidies for households.

The central government provides subsidies of ₹30,000 each for the first two kilowatts and ₹18,000 for the third, up to a maximum of ₹78,000 for a 3 kW system. The Odisha government has added an extra ₹60,000 subsidy, bringing the total support to ₹1.38 lakh per household.

Kambhampati’s commitment to renewable energy dates back to his tenure as a Member of Parliament in 2014, when he pushed for tax incentives for electric vehicles and greater investment in solar infrastructure to reduce crude oil imports and the trade deficit.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo praised the Raj Bhavan’s green efforts and reiterated the state’s commitment to sustainable development. Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary of Energy, provided updates on current schemes, while Principal Secretary to the Governor, N.B.S. Rajput, and other officials were also present.