The reputed King George Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow, India is grappling with a monthly bill of 50 million rupees, putting a strain on its finances. Despite claims that the medical university would be powered by solar energy, only 20% progress has been made on solar initiatives, including the incomplete solar kitchen. Seven years ago, the project to run the university's kitchen on solar energy began, but currently, solar panels cover only 20% of the institute area. The annual electricity bill amounts to nearly 60 crores. It is also surprising that the five-year contract for maintaining the installed solar panels has not been renewed yet.
Both the central and state governments are striving to increase renewable energy in the country and the state, a necessity in line with India's goals established at the United Nations' Paris International Climate Conference in 2015. The Uttar Pradesh government, emphasizing renewable energy, has set ambitious targets under its Solar Energy Policy-2022. However, the project to boost solar energy at KGMU in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is progressing at a sluggish pace.
The facts revealed in the reporter's investigation indicate that both the KGMU administration and the state government need to seriously address this issue. Despite government policies and claims, KGMU still bears a monthly electricity bill of up to 5 crore rupees, with only 20% completion of the rooftop solar system installation.
This story was produced with the support of Internews’ Earth Journalism Network. It was first published in Outlook on November 18, 2023 and has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Banner image: Solar panels used to power a water pump in Tamil Nadu, India / Credit: India Water Portal via Flickr.
Vishal Shukla
