Masali village becomes India’s first solar-powered village on the border
Author: PPD Team Date: 20/12/2024
Masali village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district has become India’s first ‘solar village’ located on the border. The village, with a population of 800, is situated 40 km from the Pakistan border.
All 199 houses in the village now have solar panels installed, generating 100% of the village’s electricity needs. The project, worth Rs 11.6 million, provides a total of 225.5 kilowatts of power, exceeding the electricity requirements of each home.
The initiative was supported by the Revenue Department, UGVCL, Bank, and a Solar Company, with a subsidy of Rs 5.98 million under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Public and CSR contributions added Rs 2.05 million and Rs 3.57 million, respectively.
District Collector Mihir Patel highlighted the achievement, noting that Masali is now the second solar village in Gujarat, following Modhera, and the first on the border. The broader initiative aims to convert 17 villages into solar-powered centres, ensuring 24-hour electricity to border areas.