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Suresh Bhardwaj, Urban Development Minister, said that solar power systems had been installed in 66 government buildings in Shimla under the Smart City Mission and saved a power bill of Rs 1.85 crore. He said that the Ministry had a mission to promote solar power in the city. It shortlisted government buildings across the town and started installing solar systems through Himachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency (HIMURJA). He added that the first solar system was installed earlier in January 2019 at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU). To date, solar power systems have been installed on 66 buildings. The overall capacity of the installed solar power systems is 2,500 KWh. Till now, 39.16 lakh KWh power has been generated, saving the power bill of Rs 1.85 crore. The government printing press, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) workshop Taradevi, Directorate of Horticulture, hostels in HPU, HRTC old bus stand, DDU Zonal Hospital, District Courts, Chakkar, are a few offices saved over Rs 3 lakh each on power bills. He said PM Narendra Modi had always emphasised green energy, especially solar power, and the state was inching toward fulfilling the PM's commitment to smart cities with green energy. According to him, solar power is the future of smart cities. There are several projects where the main expenditure will be incurred on electricity bills. The Ministry had devised a plan to install a solar power system to link all such projects, especially lifts and escalators. The officials have been suggested to explore the possibility of an escalator in the ongoing construction of a foot overbridge at Sanjauli, and HIMURJA would find the chance to install a solar power plant. It would reduce the power expenditure and make the escalator more viable. Image Source Also read: Rourkela to ramp up solar power under Smart City projects