Collectors asked to identify govt. lands and those within reach of SHGs for setting up solar power plants

Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has directed the district collectors to take steps to identify lands within the reach of self-help groups and available government land for setting up solar power plants.

The directions follow the agreement between the Energy and Rural Development departments for setting up solar power plants with 1,000 MW capacity with the involvement of SHGs. He instructed district collectors to coordinate with bank officials for extending financial assistance to SHGs for setting up solar power plants.

The Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday held a video conference with senior officials and district collectors to discuss about the modalities that should be adopted for promoting solar power through plants managed by the SHGs. He advised district collectors to make use of the agreement signed between the Energy and Rural Development departments in taking the project forward.

The Energy department had invited tenders through renewable energy development corporation and they would be finalised soon. The collectors should accordingly speed the process for identifying lands and securing financial assistance from banks.

Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka said about four acre land would be required for setting up solar plant of one megawatt power. Accordingly, it would require acquisition of 150 acres each in every district for generating 1,000 MW power. Steps should be taken to identify lands under the possession of Endowments and Irrigation departments while tribals could take advantage of provisions of the Forest Rights Act to develop their lands.

He admitted that though land rights were given to tribals in forest areas, problems were faced from the Forest department for acquiring permission for erecting electricity poles and laying power lines. Setting up solar power plants in such cases would resolve the issue once and for all. It would enable farmers in the agency areas to cultivate crops on a big scale using drip irrigation. “This will in turn help tribals to lead a dignified life,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said there was need for four to five acre land in every constituency enabling setting up of small and micro enterprises. Officials should accordingly take steps to acquire lands facilitating setting up of industrial belts on a smaller scale which would offer an opportunity to SHG groups to conduct their business.

Of 6.67 lakh acre land distributed to tribals, profitable crops were not being cultivated. Plans should be formulated to encourage tribals to cultivate economically viable crops like avocado which would increase the forest wealth as well as make tribals financially strong. In respect of urban centres like Hyderabad, officials should set up solar plants on top of high rises and big buildings.

Since Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts had lands with hilly terrain, the Energy department should focus on setting up solar plants atop these hilly locations as this would also protect the government lands. Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka said farmers could generate up to one MW power under the PM Kusum scheme and collectors should create awareness among farmers in this regard. They should be encouraged to apply for solar power generation through the TGREDCO portal so that it would not only give them power at lower costs but also pave the way for generation of pollution-free power.

Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya alias Seethakka said tribals had higher land availability but lower incomes. Officials concerned should focus on lands from Achampet to Adilabad along the catchment areas of Godavari river to benefit them.