KBJNL to install solar panels at Mulawad.

Anjum Parvez, the newly appointed Managing Director of Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Limited (KBJNL) has said that the Nigam would be installing solar panels on 10 km-long canals of Mulawad life irrigation project to generate 10 megawatts of power.

Speaking to reporters after an official meeting of the Nigam at Almatti dam site recently, he said that a private agency has installed some solar panels generating 6,000 units of power.

“The remaining canal network would be used by the Nigam to install the solar panel. The Nigam has already prepared a project report of Rs. 70 crore, and submitted to the Union government for subsidy,” Mr. Parvez said.

He said the government expects to receive 30 per cent subsidy on the total estimated cost, which would enable the State government take up installation of the panels.

“After the competition of the project, it would become the biggest solar power generating project on a canal network in the world,” Mr. Parvez claimed. He said the government was expected to issue a gazette notification within a week for acquisition of land as per the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, as per the decision taken in the recent Cabinet meeting. As per the Act, those who lose land would be given a compensation that is four times the present value of the land fixed by the sub-registrar’s office.

He said that as per the Act, once the money is given, no one could challenge it before any civil court.

However, a separate authority had been constituted to address the grievances.

Earlier, he said that for the government has earmarked Rs. 4,832 crore for the Nigam for the current year, of which Rs. 1,500 crore would be used for relief and rehabilitation. For 2015-16, the government has approved various projects worth Rs. 5,000, he said.

The work under phase-III of the Upper Krishna Project was progressing fast, with no death of funds, he added.

Shivayogi Kalasad, Commissioner, Relief and Rehabilitation Department, was also present.

The Hindu