Bijli Mahotsav organised in Hojai

HT Correspondent
HOJAI, July 26: As part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ – to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence, the ministry of Power in association with Government of Assam organised ‘Bijli Mahotsav’ at Thikadar Basti in Hojai district of Assam on Monday, a press release by district administration stated here. As per the release, the ‘Bijli Mahotsav’ was used as a platform to celebrate the collaboration between the state and the Central Governments and highlight the key achievements of the power sector. Some of the key highlights of the ‘Bijli Mahotsav’ have been – “increase in generation capacity from 2,48,554 MW in 2014 to 4,00,000 MW today which is 1,85,000 MW more than our demand, India is exporting electricity to its neighbouring countries now,1,63,000 km of transmission lines added, connecting entire country into one grid running on one frequency. From Ladakh to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Myanmar border it has emerged as the largest integrated grid in the world, we can transmit 1,12,000 MW of electricity from one corner of the country to the other using this grid, we had committed in COP21 that by 2030, 40 percent of our generation capacity would be from renewable energy sources. We have achieved this target by November 2021, 9 years ahead of schedule, today we generate 1,63,000 MW through Renewable Energy sources, we are installing renewable energy capacity at the fastest pace in the world.”
“With a total outlay of Rs 2,01,722 crore we have strengthened the distribution infrastructure in past five years to provide better facilities to the consumers, in 2015 the average hours of supply in rural area was 12.5 hours which has now increased to an average 22.5 hrs, the government has introduced Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 under which the time limit for new connections, Billing and addressing of consumer complaints are specified, achieved 100% village electrification (18,374) in 2018 in 987 days, achieved 100% household electrification (2.86 cr) in 18 months. Identified as the world’s largest electrification drive and scheme introduced for adoption of solar pumps under which – Central Government will give 30% subsidy and state government will give 30% subsidy. In addition, a 30% loan facility will be available.”
Notably, the ‘Bijli Mahotsav’ is being celebrated all over the country under the umbrella of ‘Ujjwal Bharat Ujjwal Bhavishya – Power @2047’ for more public participation and getting across the developments in the power sector to the citizens at large.
Dignitaries Ram Krishna Ghosh, MLA, Hojai LAC and Anupam Choudhury, DC, Hojai graced the occasion, which saw large turnouts of crowds from nearby villages and districts. The dignitaries highlighted the benefits of electricity and the unprecedented growth shown in the power sector over the past few years. The events also witnessed several beneficiaries sharing their experiences. On the other hand, in order to engage with the visitors and guests, various cultural programmes, nukkad nataks/street plays and screening of short films on the power sector were organised.