Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has announced plans to enhance sustainability across local self-government bodies by installing rooftop solar systems and rainwater harvesting facilities as part of its Catch the Rain campaign. The move aims to reduce electricity costs and improve water conservation in taluka panchayats.

Currently, rooftop solar systems have been installed on 104 of the total 248 taluka panchayats in Gujarat, with installation underway in 27 more. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems have been set up on the premises of 31 taluka panchayats to aid rainwater collection.

Of the 248 taluka panchayats, 211 already have their own buildings. To address the infrastructure gap, the state budget for 2025–26 has earmarked Rs. 65 crore for constructing new buildings for the remaining taluka panchayats. The Chief Minister has granted administrative approval to build new facilities for 11 taluka panchayats, including Detroj and Daskroi in Ahmedabad district; Khedana Matar in Dang; Kwant in Chhota Udepur; Santalpur in Patan; Vav in Banaskantha; Shihor in Palitana (Bhavnagar); Lunawada in Mahisagar; and Gondal in Rajkot district. A total of Rs. 12.45 crore will be spent on these new buildings.

Meanwhile, construction is already in progress for new taluka panchayat buildings in Lathi, Kunkawav, Deesa, Veraval, Mahuva, and Gandhinagar, supported by an allocation of Rs. 20.55 crore. All new structures will adhere to GSDMN safety norms and include integrated rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainable resource use. DeshGujarat