Solar energy scheme at Thiruvananthapuram jail

A Rs 7.9-crore solar-energy project has been commissioned at the Central Jail here. This would make if the first jail in the country to depend entirely on this clean and renewable source of energy. The 13th Finance Commission had allotted Rs154 crore for modernisation of prisons in the State, an official spokesman said. Additionally, Rs 25.56 crore was set apart for facilitating the shift to solar energy. The Central Jail facility here is expected to produce enough power to maintain street lighting inside the compound; lighting and fans for blocks one to 12; steam cooking; water heating and water pumping.