Dhordo, a remote yet globally celebrated village in Gujarat’s Kutch district, has achieved a landmark transformation by becoming fully solar-powered. Already recognized as the ‘Best Tourism Village’ by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Dhordo is now setting new standards in sustainable development and clean energy adoption.
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi is scheduled to officially dedicate this remarkable achievement to the nation on September 20, during the ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ event in Bhavnagar, further underscoring the national significance of Dhordo’s green energy success.
Fourth Solar Village in Gujarat’s Clean Energy Journey
With this milestone, Dhordo joins the ranks of Modhera (Mehsana), Sukhi (Kheda), and Masali (Banaskantha) as Gujarat’s fourth fully solar-powered village. This development reinforces Gujarat’s pioneering role in India’s clean energy transition, aligning closely with the Centre’s vision for an energy-independent and sustainable rural economy.
Empowering Villages with Rooftop Solar Installations
Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Dhordo has solarised every residential electricity connection in the village. As part of the initiative:
- 81 homes were equipped with rooftop solar panels
- A solar capacity of 177 kilowatts was installed
- An estimated 2.95 lakh units of electricity will be generated annually
- Each household is expected to benefit by Rs. 16,064 per year
The project not only reduces dependency on traditional electricity sources but also allows villagers to sell surplus power back to the grid, creating a new stream of income. The village is projected to earn over Rs. 13 lakh annually through combined savings and earnings from energy production.
Local Leadership Speaks on Development Impact
Mr. Miyan Hussain, Sarpanch of Dhordo, expressed deep pride in the village’s transformation. He stated, “Although Dhordo is a remote village, it has witnessed significant progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel. With solar panels now on every home, electricity bills will be greatly reduced. This initiative, supported through subsidies and bank loans, has brought immense joy and economic relief to our community.”
A Model for Sustainable and Inclusive Rural Development
The project showcases how a clean energy model, when combined with government support and local participation, can drive inclusive and long-term rural development. Subsidies and financing mechanisms ensured minimal financial burden on residents, making the initiative highly accessible and scalable for other villages across India.
Strengthening Gujarat’s Role in India’s Renewable Future
Dhordo’s success is yet another feather in Gujarat’s cap, a state already at the forefront of renewable energy adoption. With a strong focus on solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects, Gujarat is playing a pivotal role in supporting India’s goal of reaching 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
By turning its remote tourist destination into a solar success story, Gujarat is sending a strong message—clean energy and economic development can go hand in hand.
