Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (May 9, 2026) said it is integrating rural water infrastructure with renewable energy deployment, for long-term water security, energy efficiency, and sustainable rural development, with 33,157 solar-based rural water supply schemes being implemented across 67,013 villages, benefitting nearly 2.07 crore households and an estimated 13.30 crore people.

“The State is undertaking a significant transformation in its rural water supply framework through the strategic integration of solar energy systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This initiative, implemented by the State Water and Sanitation Mission (SWSM), is aimed at ensuring sustainable, reliable, and uninterrupted access to safe drinking water across rural habitations. Approximately 33,157 solar-based rural water supply schemes have been implemented across 67,013 villages, benefitting nearly 2.07 crore households and an estimated 13.30 crore people. This large-scale implementation highlights Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and improving quality of life,” said Anurag Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary of the Namami Ganga and Rural Water Supply Department, to The Hindu. 

Mr. Srivastava, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer added that a key technical component of the initiative is the installation of solar-powered pumping systems, which have resulted in a significant saving of nearly 900 MW of power that would otherwise have been drawn from the National Power Grid. “These systems also ensure operational continuity in remote and power-deficient regions, where uninterrupted electricity supply has traditionally been a constraint. The model adopted by Uttar Pradesh presents a scalable and replicable framework for other states. By integrating rural water infrastructure with renewable energy deployment, the state is setting a benchmark for long-term water security, energy efficiency, and sustainable rural development,” he said.

Raj Shekhar, Managing Director of Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Rural), said these solar-powered schemes have been designed for a 30-year lifecycle, with a total capital expenditure of around ₹7,812 crore. “In comparison, if these schemes relied on conventional power sources, the one-time connection cost alone would have been approximately ₹2,487 crore, along with an estimated annual power expense of ₹1,115 crore. Assuming a 60-month breakeven period, these solar-based systems are projected to generate savings of approximately ₹28,112 crore over 30 years (excluding tariff escalation). With a modest annual power tariff escalation of 2% (year-on-year), the projected savings rise significantly to about ₹37,395 crore,” said Mr. Shekhar. 

The Managing Director added that this special Green Initiative of Uttar Pradesh has attracted the attention of many States. “This special initiative has secured the 'Prime Minister'’ Excellence Award' in Administration for the Namami Gange Department of Uttar Pradesh. Honourable Prime Minister gave this Award to Shri Anurag Srivastava, ACS Namami Gange, U.P., in a ceremony in Delhi last year,” said Mr. Shekhar. 

Mr. Shekhar, a 2004-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, added that beyond financial savings, the initiative contributes substantially to environmental sustainability. “The solar-powered schemes are estimated to reduce carbon emissions by about 13 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of CO₂ annually, equivalent to generating nearly 13 lakh carbon credits each year. Over time, this positions the initiative as a strong contributor to India’s net-zero emissions target by 2070. In terms of carbon market potential, assuming a conservative value of USD 2 per carbon credit, the initiative could generate approximately USD 78 million (around ₹624 crore) over 30 years. The Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) has been engaged to provide technical assistance and assess these carbon credits. Additionally, these solar-powered schemes are largely self-sufficient and eliminate the need for multiple statutory approvals, such as No Objection Certificates (NOCs). Since solar plants are installed within the premises of water infrastructure facilities, additional land requirements are minimal,” added the Managing Director.