Uttar Pradesh's innovative integration of solar power in its Jal Jeevan Mission projects will be a key highlight at the Regional Conference on Good Governance, set to begin on Thursday in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Organised by the Government of India, the two-day event will showcase UP’s achievements under the Innovation State category. Anurag Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary of Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department, will present the state’s success in leveraging solar energy for water schemes. This initiative has enabled lower operational costs and enhanced project sustainability. Currently, over 80% of UP’s Jal Jeevan Mission projects are powered by solar energy, positioning the state as a model for renewable energy adoption in water management. Senior bureaucrats from across India will study UP’s solar-powered model during the conference, which aims to inspire other states to adopt similar sustainable practices. The initiative, led under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has been selected by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances as a benchmark for good governance. The state is the first in India to implement solar power on such a large scale in water projects, significantly reducing carbon emissions and boosting efficiency. “This is a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh to share its solar initiative in the Jal Jeevan Mission,” said Brajraj Singh, Executive Director of the State Water and Sanitation Mission. He emphasised the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sustainable development. The conference is expected to encourage states across India to adopt similar models that save electricity and promote long-term project sustainability. (ET)