Patna: The Bihar government has directed officials to ensure electricity supply to all agricultural feeders from 6 am to 6 pm as part of its efforts to strengthen farm power infrastructure and accelerate the state’s transition to renewable energy.
The direction was issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary with Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi on July 9. The meeting reviewed the progress of renewable energy projects and discussed measures to improve energy security in Bihar.
Focus On Daytime Power for Agriculture
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure uninterrupted daytime electricity supply through agricultural feeders to support irrigation and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.
The meeting also emphasised the need to speed up the implementation of the PM-KUSUM scheme to promote the solarisation of agriculture and expand access to solar-powered irrigation facilities for farmers.
Push for PM Surya Ghar Scheme
Officials were instructed to accelerate the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana by increasing public awareness and simplifying procedures for eligible households.
The Chief Minister asked district magistrates to achieve the targets assigned to their districts within the stipulated timeframe to maximise the scheme’s reach.
Green Hydrogen and Floating Solar Projects
The meeting reviewed proposals to prepare a Green Hydrogen Policy for Bihar in line with future energy and industrial requirements.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to undertake scientific studies on the feasibility of floating solar projects in reservoirs and other suitable water bodies across the state to increase renewable energy generation.
Encouraging Private Investment
The government directed officials to create a transparent and investor-friendly environment to attract private investment in the renewable energy sector.
The meeting also called for a scientific assessment of Bihar’s solar energy potential and the strengthening of electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to support clean energy expansion.
Emphasis On Timely Implementation
The Chief Minister said all renewable energy schemes should be implemented in a planned and time-bound manner to contribute to India’s clean energy and energy self-reliance goals.
He also thanked Union Minister Prahlad Joshi for reviewing renewable energy projects in Bihar and for the Centre’s support in the sector.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar alias Bulo Mandal, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Energy Department Secretary Ajay Yadav, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Additional Secretary Anupam Kumar, and other senior officials from the Union and state governments. District magistrates from across Bihar joined the meeting through video conferencing.
