The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has intensified its push for clean energy adoption with the launch of a large-scale beneficiary identification drive and the successful commissioning of the first residential rooftop solar plant in Swaraj Dweep. Both initiatives fall under the ambit of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, aimed at bringing affordable solar energy to households across the islands.
As part of the 30 MW Rooftop Solar Project being implemented in RESCO mode under the Utility Led Aggregation model, the Electricity Department in coordination with the District Administration of South Andaman has announced special camps to identify beneficiaries. These efforts are directed at selecting households already covered under welfare programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Antyodaya Anna Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat. Beneficiary camps are scheduled to be held on October 4 at multiple locations, including Junglighat, Ferrargunj, and Prothrapur, with officials tasked with verifying details on the spot. The administration has urged Pradhans, revenue officers, and other field officials to mobilise eligible beneficiaries, ensuring that no household entitled to the benefits of the scheme is left out.
The beneficiary identification drive forms a core component of the government’s plan to scale up solar energy penetration in the islands. By targeting households under existing welfare programmes, the administration is aiming to prioritise weaker sections of society for access to subsidised clean energy. Once identified, these beneficiaries will be eligible to have rooftop solar units installed at heavily subsidised rates, contributing to both energy security and reduced household electricity expenses.
Alongside the camps, the administration’s efforts to promote rooftop solar adoption are beginning to show tangible results. In Swaraj Dweep, a resident of Govind Nagar became the first to have a six-kilowatt solar rooftop plant commissioned under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Officials described the commissioning as a milestone that demonstrates how island residents can benefit directly from clean energy. The installation is expected to serve as an example for other households, showcasing both the technical feasibility and the financial benefits of rooftop solar.
During his recent visit to Swaraj Dweep, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Power) interacted with local residents and panchayat representatives to highlight the advantages of the solar rooftop scheme. The discussions focused on subsidy components, loan facilities, and the long-term energy savings that households could expect by adopting solar power. The official also underscored the importance of community-level awareness, noting that consumer participation is key to achieving the ambitious 30 MW target set for the islands.
The administration has simultaneously been running awareness programmes through electronic and print media, conducting outreach campaigns across the islands. These efforts have led to growing interest among consumers, many of whom have begun enrolling under the scheme to avail of financial and energy security benefits. Officials believe that with visible early adopters like Swaraj Dweep’s first rooftop solar household, more residents will be encouraged to follow suit.
In addition to household-level installations, the administration is also preparing for the upcoming tourist season by planning to augment power generation capacity. By October 10, an additional 1.5 MW of capacity is expected to be added to the grid, ensuring uninterrupted supply during the peak period. This measure is seen as part of a broader strategy to combine renewable energy adoption with reliable power infrastructure, balancing both long-term sustainability goals and immediate demand pressures.
The twin approach of holding beneficiary camps and celebrating early adopters signals a deliberate strategy to accelerate rooftop solar adoption across the islands. With subsidies, easy loan options, and institutional support, the administration hopes to make solar rooftops an attractive and accessible option for households across diverse income groups. If the momentum continues, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could soon emerge as a model for decentralised clean energy adoption in remote and ecologically sensitive regions.
