Ludhiana Villages to Turn Common Lands into Solar Power Hubs, Boosting Rural Income and Clean Energy Goals

In a major push towards rural renewable energy adoption, the Ludhiana district administration has initiated a project to develop solar power plants on village common (shamlat) lands, marking a new phase in Punjab’s clean energy transition.

As part of the pilot phase, three villages—Alamgir, Siarh (both in Payal block) and one in Dakha block—have been shortlisted to host 1 MW solar power plants each. The project aims to utilise 10 to 20 acres of unencumbered shamlat land per site, chosen based on proximity to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) grid to ensure smooth integration of generated power.

Officials said the initiative will enable gram panchayats to generate sustainable income from underutilised community land through lease rentals or profit-sharing models. As per state regulations, 25% of the shamlat land will remain with the panchayat for community use, ensuring that development does not compromise local access or traditional land functions.

“The idea is to create a model that combines clean energy generation with community benefit,” said a senior district official. “By using common land for solar installations, we can strengthen local economies, promote self-reliance, and contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals.”

The Ludhiana administration has already completed site assessments for the identified villages, and the project is expected to begin implementation soon. Once operational, each solar plant will feed power directly into the PSPCL grid, supporting Punjab’s mission to expand decentralized clean energy capacity.

Officials noted that while the project offers a strong opportunity for rural revenue generation, challenges such as land consolidation, project maintenance, and grid connectivity will need to be managed carefully.

The pilot initiative is being viewed as a replicable model for other districts in Punjab, showcasing how rural governance, renewable energy, and community assets can align to create long-term socio-economic and environmental benefits.