Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 22 Jun: Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi inaugurated a 20-kilowatt solar power plant today at the Gurudwara in Dakra, Garhi Cantt, here. The plant has been installed with funding from the MLA’s local area development fund at a cost of approximately Rs 10 lakh. This solar unit will generate around 3,000 units of electricity per month for the Gurudwara.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Minister Joshi said that on 14 January 2024, on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, he had announced the installation of this 20 kW solar plant at the Gurudwara premises — a promise that has now been fulfilled. Built at a cost of Rs 10.10 lakh, the plant will produce about 100 units of electricity per day and approximately 3,000 units per month. The Gurudwara has now become completely self-reliant in electricity production, generating and using its own power.
Highlighting the government’s green initiatives, the Minister mentioned that under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership, Uttarakhand has linked this green revolution with employment opportunities. The “Mukhyamantri Saur Swarozgar Yojana” is a shining example of this, helping to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of One Sun, One World, One Grid. Today, he said, every hill village and young person in Uttarakhand is benefiting from this scheme, creating both employment and clean energy. The solar plant at the Gurudwara is just the beginning — soon, the entire state will be illuminated by solar energy, and youth will spread the light of self-reliance and dignity through self-employment.
The Minister also spoke about various development works in Garhi Cantt. He mentioned that the state’s largest community hall has been built in the area, and a Rs 58 crore sewerage project has been approved, with tenders already invited and work set to begin soon. Several tube wells have been installed to address drinking water issues. Memorial gates have been constructed in honour of martyrs, and the Veerpur Bridge was completed in record time.
Minister Joshi emphasised that development is a continuous process, and with mutual trust and cooperation between the public and the government, no effort would be spared in the progress of the region. He reaffirmed the commitment of the BJP government to work in the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. Responding to the committee’s request, he announced the beautification of the Gurudwara premises through the Minority Welfare Department and approved the demand to establish a solar power plant at the Tapkeshwar Temple.
Earlier, upon arriving at the Gurudwara, the Minister paid his respects before the Guru Granth Sahib and sought blessings. After inspecting the plant, committee members welcomed him formally and presented a memento. UREDA officials provided detailed information about the project. The event was conducted by BJP leader Devendra Pal Singh.
The occasion was graced by Gurudwara Committee President Sardar Dalip Singh, General Secretary Sardar Gurmeet Singh Kaith, BJP Mandal President Rajiv Gurung, Devendra Pal Singh, former Vice President of Cantonment Board Rajendra Kaur Sondhi, Vishnu Prasad Gupta, Manoj Kshetri, Neera Thapa, Pradeep Sharma, Tulsi Devi, Sarika Khatri, and departmental officials.
