Bhopal/Jalud, April 29 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh marked a historic milestone in India’s renewable energy journey with the inauguration of the Jalud Solar Power Plant in Khargone district.

Built for Rs 271 crore, the 60 megawatt facility is the nation’s first solar project established through public participation under the “Green Bond” Scheme.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared the plant a “national achievement,” crediting Madhya Pradesh for pioneering a model that allows citizens to directly invest in green energy.

The Jalud plant, located near Maheshwar, will supply electricity to the Indore Municipal Corporation while reducing carbon emissions.

Yadav explained that individuals can purchase up to 10 bonds, each worth Rs 1 lakh, with an annual return of about 8 per cent over 20 years.

He emphasised that the project’s cost will be recovered within a decade, with the following ten years yielding pure profit.

“This initiative not only ensures affordable electricity but also empowers citizens to earn from home,” he said, noting that Madhya Pradesh already provides some of the lowest electricity rates in the country, powering even Delhi Metro trains.

The Chief Minister recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the plant in 2023, underscoring the central government’s support.

A short film highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s green energy initiatives was screened during the event.

Yadav also linked the project to the state’s scientific heritage, referencing the installation of Vedic Clocks in Ujjain and Varanasi, developed with the Department of Science and Technology, and highlighting the region’s historic role in philosophical debates and temple development under Ahilyabai Holkar.

Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat described the plant as a “new chapter in Indore’s history,” while Member of Parliament Shankar Lalwani praised India’s leadership in renewable energy.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav noted that the Indore Municipal Corporation became the first urban local body in the country to raise funds through Green Bonds, with contributions from citizens across 28 states.

The project, he said, symbolises collective national participation in sustainable development.

With the Jalud Solar Plant now operational, Madhya Pradesh has reinforced its position as a leader in renewable energy, blending modern technology with public involvement to power the future.

–IANS

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