NIT Srinagar plans solar initiative with Bagh-I-Ali Mardan Khan industrial unit holders

Srinagar, Nov 9: A delegation from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar's Mechanical Engineering Department, along with senior Electrical Engineering students, met with Industrial Union representatives of Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan (BAMK) on Saturday to discuss 100% solar rooftop installation in the industrial area.

The meeting, initiated by Dr Saad Parvez from NIT's Mechanical Engineering Department, was attended by former KPDCL Managing Director and Chief Engineer Er Bashir Ahmad Dar, along with several industrial unit holders.

NIT students presented a comprehensive proposal based on their detailed survey of the industrial area. Conducted under Dr. Parvez's supervision as Director and Principal Investigator of Greenovator Incubation Foundation (GIF-NIT), the survey included potential solar power generation estimates, cost analysis, and return on investment projections. The stakeholders agreed to finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) within a week for submission to higher authorities, including the Director of Industries.

The initiative traces back to September 17, 2023, when Er. Bashir Ahmad, a GIF-NIT startup member, and Dr Parvez presented on solar rooftop potential in Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently, Electrical Engineering students formed a consultancy firm, first surveying NIT Srinagar's campus, where they identified a 3MW (3000 kW) solar generation capacity potential.

Building on this success, the students expanded their scope to the BAMK Industrial Area, located in Downtown Srinagar. The area's strategic location makes it ideal for implementing solar rooftop technology, with potential benefits extending to the broader Shahri Khas area.

Six senior NIT students are preparing to become consultants for small-scale solar plants, pending field exposure. Additionally, industrial unit holders have gained comprehensive understanding of solar rooftop benefits, establishing a framework for sustainable energy implementation in the industrial sector.

"The potential of solar energy is limitless, and together, we will illuminate a brighter, greener tomorrow," said Dr Parvez.

The final report will be submitted to the government for policy formulation, focusing on solar rooftop installation subsidies and promotion of the Green Kashmir initiative for sustainability.