State Government would provide 4337 solar lanterns to the shepherds in the State. This was revealed by Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, while addressing State-Level function organised to observe Akshay Urja Divas (Non-Conventional Energy Day) to commemorate 69th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, late Shri Rajiv Gandhi. He also flagged off ‘Akshya Urja Rally’ of students here today.

Chief Minister said that a solar energy park at Dr. Y.S. Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University Nauni in Solan was nearing completion and one such park was being set up at NIT, Hamirpur. He said that a 4 KW Solar Power Plant would be installed in the offices of all Deputy Commissioners in the State. He said that the State had vast potential of solar, wind and biomass energy which can be exploited to supplement the hydel power generation in the State. He said that exploitation of renewable energy would provide of additional power in the State.

Chief Minister appealed to youth to save the energy to mark the ‘Akshya Urja Divas’ and play a leading role in motivating every section of the society.

He said that maximum use of non-conventional energy would not only protect the natural resources but also provide people with healthy living. He said that people needed to learn living in harmony with the nature. He said that such days remind us of the significance of particular celebration which needed to be incorporated into day to day life.

Prof. Dhumal also detailed about nine point environment pledge which was being administered to the students in the schools. Chief Minister also released ‘Urja Sandesh’ magazine brought out by HIMURJA. Arun Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Harsh Mitter, Chief Executive Officer, HIMURA and other prominent persons were present on the occasion.