Dharech Declared Himachal’s First Green Panchayat with 500-kW Solar Plant

Dharech village in Shimla district has been declared Himachal Pradesh’s first green panchayat following the inauguration of a 500-kW solar power plant by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The project marks a significant step in decentralised renewable energy adoption and rural development in the state.

Built at a cost of ₹1.94 crore, the solar power plant began construction in January 2025 and was successfully connected to the grid on March 30, 2026. The facility is currently generating approximately 3,000 units of clean electricity every day, contributing to an estimated annual generation of nearly 8 lakh units.

Under the power purchase agreement, Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited will procure the generated electricity at ₹3.50 per unit, creating an annual income of around ₹28 lakh for the gram panchayat. This recurring revenue is expected to strengthen local governance and fund development-oriented initiatives.

The income generated from the project will be distributed towards village development works, welfare schemes for orphans and widows, the state government’s share, Himurja contributions, and operation and maintenance of the plant.

With an operational lifespan of 25 years, the solar plant is expected to support long-term clean energy generation while promoting rural self-reliance, sustainable development, and community welfare. The project sets a model for other gram panchayats in Himachal Pradesh and across India to integrate renewable energy into local governance and economic planning.