New Delhi, 03 May (H.S.):

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, organised a ‘Run for Sun’ marathon on International Sun Day to highlight the nation’s strides in solar energy. The event, held on Sunday, also marked the achievement of installing 2.7 lakh rooftop solar power plants in the month of April alone, underscoring India’s rapid shift toward clean‑energy adoption.

The marathon took place at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, where both 2‑km and 5‑km race categories were organised. Participants from all age groups joined the run, reflecting broad public interest in solar‑driven sustainability and fitness.

Speaking at the programme, MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi said ‘Run for Sun’ is more than a marathon; it symbolises a collective national effort toward a sustainable and self‑reliant India. He stressed that the government’s focus is on ensuring that the benefits of clean, solar‑based energy reach every household through the steady expansion of rooftop and grid‑connected solar capacity.

The Ministry noted that the 2.7 lakh rooftop solar installations recorded in April were achieved under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PM Surya Ghar Scheme). Under this flagship programme, over 30 lakh rooftop solar plants have so far been installed across the country, benefiting more than 45 lakh families. The scheme supports residential rooftops with subsidies and standardised approvals to promote decentralised solar generation.

During the event, the remarkable growth in India’s solar‑energy capacity was also highlighted. As of 31 March 2026, the country’s total installed solar capacity has reached around 150 gigawatts (GW), up from only 2.82 GW in 2014. This sharp rise reflects strong policy support and accelerated project execution in recent years.

The Ministry informed that about 50 per cent of India’s total installed power capacity now comes from non‑fossil‑fuel sources, a target that has been achieved ahead of the 2030 deadline. India currently ranks third globally in total renewable‑energy capacity, reinforcing its position as a leading clean‑energy market.

The ‘Run for Sun’ marathon and related activities were designed to promote solar‑energy awareness, encourage greater public participation in rooftop‑solar adoption, and showcase the Government’s commitment to a greener, cleaner, and more energy‑secure India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar