By Leh, December 12: Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, visited the Changthang region to review the progress of two of Ladakh’s most ambitious clean-energy initiatives—the 1 MW Geothermal Power Project at Puga being executed by ONGC, and the 11 GW Solar Power Project at Pang being implemented by SECI.
These landmark projects are central to Ladakh’s mission of becoming a carbon-neutral region and a national hub for renewable energy, aligning closely with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Significant Progress at Puga’s Geothermal Power Site
At the Puga hot springs, the Lt Governor was briefed on the ongoing work for India’s first geothermal power project of its kind. Officials informed him that:
450 metres of drilling has already been completed. An additional 600 metres of drilling will be undertaken in the coming months. Two thermal wells are being constructed to tap geothermal energy.
In a major development, the Lt Governor was apprised that the project is now expected to generate around 4 MW of power, significantly higher than the initial estimate of 1 MW.
The electricity produced will be fed into the local grid and supplied to nearby villages for domestic consumption—marking a transformative step for energy access in remote Changthang.
This will be India’s first geothermal energy project of this scale, making it a pioneering milestone in the country’s renewable energy landscape.
Promoting Wellness Tourism at Puga & Chumathang
Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal briefed the Lt Governor on the medicinal and therapeutic properties of the hot springs at Puga and Chumathang.
The UT Administration is planning to develop hot and cold bath facilities at these sites to promote wellness tourism, enhance visitor experience, and provide improved amenities for local residents and tourists.
Inspection of Pang Solar Power Project
At Pang, the Lt Governor assessed the ongoing work for the proposed 11 GW Solar Power Project, one of India’s biggest renewable energy plans.
He also inspected the 500 KWP Solar Demonstration Project, which:
Was completed within three months Cost ₹4.93 crore Aims to showcase how renewable energy can coexist with traditional livelihood practices
Local communities—especially nomadic groups—were assured that their cattle can safely graze within and around the plant area without any adverse impact. The demonstration project serves as a model to build trust and awareness about sustainable energy development.
Ensuring Livelihood Security for Changthang Nomads
Reaffirming that the development of clean energy projects will not disrupt traditional ways of life, Lt Governor Gupta assured local nomadic communities that their livelihood and grazing rights will remain protected.
He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable development that benefits both the environment and the people of Ladakh.
Towards a Carbon-Neutral Ladakh
The Lt Governor emphasized that these flagship projects are crucial steps toward realizing the goal of a Carbon-Neutral Ladakh, improving energy security, creating economic opportunities, and positioning Ladakh as a leader in clean energy innovation.
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