World Bank to Invest Rs 2500 Crore on Green Resilient Integrated Development Programme for HP

The World Bank (WB) is keen  on investing Rs. 2500 crore in Himachal Pradesh for Green Resilient Integrated Development  Programme (GRID). This will help the State to achieve its goal of making Himachal a Green Energy State by 2025.

As per The World Bank, “The GRID approach involves a fundamental shift in managing risk and development: from a reactive response to a deliberate and proactive recovery strategy for long-term green growth, climate action, and sustainable and inclusive development for all.”

In a meeting with representatives of WB in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu  discussed the possibility of harnessing 500 MW solar energy as part  of the  programme in Himachal.

John Roome, Regional Director (Sustainable Development), South Asia Region of The World Bank, stated that they are keen to implement Green Resilient Integrated Development Programme for Himachal with Basin approach. The cost estimate is Rs 2,500 crore (USD $300 million), depending on technical analyses and it might be increased as per requirement.

The  Chief Minister is hoping for  a transformation in the State towards Green Resilient Himachal with  the visit of the team. The State has also set a time-bound plan to install 200 MW solar power projects within the next nine months. Further, the State will acquire additional land to enable the installation of 500 MW by the end of 2024. The WB team, meanwhile reviewed the current ongoing projects in the State.