The sun is rising over Delhi’s seat of power—this time, not just metaphorically. In a move that could redefine how government buildings operate in the climate-conscious age, the Delhi Assembly has taken a decisive step toward becoming India’s first legislative institution fully powered by solar energy.
On the morning of May 12, 2025, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena and Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta jointly laid the foundation stone for a 500-kilowatt (kW) solar power plant on the grounds of the Delhi Assembly complex. This landmark initiative seeks to align the legacy of a historic institution with the pressing demands of environmental stewardship.
A Heritage Structure, Reimagined for the Future
The Delhi Assembly building, originally constructed in 1912, has long stood as a sentinel of the capital’s political and administrative journey. With its stately architecture and heritage status, it represents a deep connection to the past. Yet, in an era of rising temperatures and depleting resources, even the oldest buildings must adapt.
This solar power project will utilize more than 3,250 square meters of rooftop space to house solar panels. According to project officials, the installation is expected to be completed in just 45 days—well ahead of the upcoming monsoon session. Once functional, the building’s average monthly electricity bill, which currently stands at around ₹15 lakh, will be virtually eliminated.
More Than a Power Move
The financial savings projected from this green transition are equally significant. Speaker Gupta highlighted that the Assembly stands to save up to ₹15 lakh per month. On an annual basis, this amounts to approximately ₹1.75 crore—funds that can be rerouted toward infrastructure upgrades and public-facing initiatives.
“This move is not just about clean energy. It’s about responsible governance,” Gupta stated during the event. “We’re conserving electricity, reducing costs, and preserving our heritage all at once. This is what future-ready governance looks like.”
The solar transition is also part of a broader modernization effort. Plans are underway to digitize the Assembly’s extensive library, implement the National E-Vidhan Application (NeVA) for paperless proceedings, and introduce a multimedia light-and-sound show that narrates the institution’s century-old journey.
In Step with National Goals
The Delhi Assembly’s initiative dovetails with the central government’s PM-Surya Ghar Yojana. This nationwide campaign promotes the adoption of solar energy by households and institutions alike. Under the scheme, residential users can avail themselves of subsidies up to ₹78,000 for switching to solar power, reducing financial barriers and democratizing access to clean energy.
Chief Minister C.M. Gupta underscored the urgency of such initiatives, particularly in the context of Delhi’s surging energy demands. “The city’s electricity consumption is edging close to 9,000 megawatts. Solutions like solar energy are no longer futuristic—they are a present-day necessity,” he said.
Broad Institutional Support
The move has also received strong backing from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which supports the proposal to officially designate the Assembly complex as a heritage site. Lieutenant Governor Saxena lauded the initiative for its blend of conservation and innovation.
“The Delhi Assembly has always stood as a symbol of democratic representation,” he remarked. “Now, it also reflects an ecological conscience. This initiative should serve as a model for other institutions—governmental and beyond.”
A Template for Tomorrow
What’s unfolding at the Delhi Assembly is more than a renewable energy upgrade. It’s a statement of intent—an institutional commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and progressive leadership. In a world where governments are often seen as slow to adapt, Delhi’s legislative house is moving decisively toward a future where tradition and technology work hand in hand.
By coupling heritage with innovation, the Delhi Assembly is not only lighting its halls with solar power. It is offering a beacon of hope and a blueprint for every public institution seeking to balance the weight of history with the urgency of change.
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