Masali: India’s First Border Solar Village
Masali, a village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, has become India’s first ‘solar village’ located near the border, marking a significant achievement in the country’s renewable energy initiatives. Situated 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, this milestone follows India’s broader efforts to make border areas more energy-efficient and self-sustaining. The project, with an investment of ₹1.16 crore, involves the installation of solar panels on 199 rooftops, ensuring 100% solar power generation for the village. The development highlights India’s commitment to renewable energy and rural electrification.
The project was completed through the collaboration of the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), banks, and solar companies. Additionally, it received significant financial support, including ₹59.81 lakh from the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana subsidy, ₹20.52 lakh from public contributions, and ₹35.67 lakh from corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Masali’s achievement is part of the Border Development Project aimed at making 17 border villages (11 in Vav Taluka and 6 in Suigam Taluka) solar-powered. This initiative will ensure round-the-clock electricity in these remote areas. Banaskantha District Collector Mihir Patel, who led the project, emphasized that Masali is not just the first border solar village but also the second solar village in Gujarat after Modhera.
Solar power has effectively eliminated the electricity problem in Masali, providing sustainable energy for all homes. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, under which this project was launched, is the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, aimed at installing solar panels in over one crore households by March 2027.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Masali becomes India’s first border solar village | – Located in Banaskantha, Gujarat, 40 km from the Pakistan border. – Population: 800. – Solar project cost: ₹1.16 crore. – Total electricity generated: 225.5 kilowatts. – Solar panels installed on 199 rooftops. |
| Project Funding and Collaboration | – ₹59.81 lakh subsidy under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. – ₹20.52 lakh from public contribution. – ₹35.67 lakh CSR funding. |
| PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana | – World’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative. – Aimed at providing solar-powered energy to over one crore households by March 2027. |
| Border Development Project | – Aimed to make 17 villages (11 in Vav Taluka and 6 in Suigam Taluka) solar-powered. – Ensures round-the-clock electricity for remote border areas. |
| Gujarat | – CM: Bhupendra Patel. – Capital: Gandhinagar. |
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