PANAJI
In a first-of-its-kind, Goa government today announced the rollout of the Net Positive Panchayat (NPP) model across all 191 village panchayats.
As it becomes the first state in the country, Technical Assistant of Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) Saina Shirodkar said the adoption of sustainability-driven initiative is aimed at making rural local bodies energy-efficient and self-sufficient.
Speaking at the Panchayati Raj Day celebrations, Shirodkar further said committees would be set up in every panchayat to drive the programme, with a dedicated government budget planned for the implementation of solar rooftops, bioenergy projects, green cooking solutions and other eco-friendly measures.
“The initiative will focus on creating sustainable and net-zero communities through local participation and clean energy adoption,” she said.
The project, supported by GIZ and GEDA, includes the installation of 2.2 MW solar power projects and energy audits for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in participating villages.
At the rural level Caurem Pirla village panchayat has been selected for the implementation of the initiative along with Harvalem village panchayat at developing level and Calangute village panchayat at urban level.
These panchayats are already taking steps toward waste management and renewable energy adoption. The programme also encourages community participation through beach clean-up drives, waste management campaigns, and internship opportunities to spread awareness. “These pilot panchayats will further help other village panchayats to implement the NPP model effectively,” said Shirodkar.
The Goa government has additionally formed a State Steering Committee (SSC) to oversee the rollout of the NPP initiative and ensure coordination among departments to transform rural areas into energy-efficient and sustainable communities.
