Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has called for the adoption of renewable energy to reduce pollution, protect the environment, and conserve foreign exchange by decreasing reliance on imported crude oil.
During a discussion with media representatives on Saturday at Raj Bhavan’s New Abhishek Hall, the Governor emphasized transitioning from traditional energy sources to sustainable alternatives.
Since assuming the role of Odisha’s Governor, Kambhampati has spearheaded transformative energy initiatives at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. A 150-kilowatt solar power plant is already operational on the premises, with an additional 400-kilowatt plant set to be installed soon. These steps aim to transform Raj Bhavan into a net-zero energy campus. To further the green mission, electric two-wheelers and official cars manufactured in India have been introduced, promoting sustainable mobility and signaling a commitment to cleaner travel.
The Governor highlighted that such measures underscore the urgent need for eco-friendly practices. Raj Bhavan’s efforts not only set an example for government institutions nationwide but also demonstrate that change begins at the top. He also shed light on several central government schemes promoting renewable energy, including the PM KUSUM scheme, which supports farmers in installing solar-powered pump sets for irrigation, and the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, which provides subsidies for rooftop solar panel installations.
Under these schemes, the Central government offers subsidies of ₹30,000 per kilowatt for the first and second kilowatts and ₹18,000 for the third kilowatt, up to a 3-kilowatt capacity. The Odisha government has supplemented this with additional subsidies of ₹25,000 per kilowatt for the first and second kilowatts and ₹10,000 for the third, totaling up to ₹1.38 lakh for a 3-kilowatt solar system. The Governor praised Odisha’s proactive steps to expand these schemes and encouraged residents to adopt renewable energy for personal and environmental benefits.
Kambhampati also urged the public to abandon petrol and diesel vehicles in favour of electric alternatives, noting that such a shift would reduce pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. He emphasized that installing rooftop solar panels to charge electric vehicles could eliminate the need for fossil fuels, enabling truly green mobility and making daily travel more cost-effective.
The Governor stressed that the time to act is now, with these initiatives aimed at empowering people and building a sustainable future for future generations. The media interaction sought to raise widespread awareness about renewable energy adoption, with a call to the press to amplify this message across every household in Odisha.
Notably, Kambhampati’s advocacy for renewable energy dates back to 2014 when, as a Member of Parliament, he strongly supported sustainable energy solutions in his first parliamentary speech. He endorsed the central budget presented by then-Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, advocating for reduced dependence on imported crude oil, promoting ethanol-blended fuels and electric vehicles, and introducing tax incentives for electric vehicles. He also called for replacing diesel generators with solar alternatives to enhance domestic power systems, reduce fiscal deficits, and conserve foreign exchange. His forward-thinking remarks reflected a deep understanding of the interplay between energy policy, economic stability, and environmental responsibility, a vision he continues to uphold as Odisha’s Governor.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who praised Raj Bhavan’s green initiatives and outlined the state government’s efforts to promote renewable energy.
Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary of the Energy Department, detailed various central and state programs, schemes, and subsidies aimed at expanding renewable energy use.
The Governor’s Principal Secretary, NDS Rajput, along with Raj Bhavan officials and media representatives, were also present.
