Mumbai, March 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced in the state assembly on Tuesday that the government is implementing the Solar Micro-Grid initiative aimed at supplying electricity to the isolated villages in Melghat.

Instead of installing individual solar panels for each household, a centralized, high-capacity solar installation will be established in the village to form a microgrid. The electricity generated, supported by battery storage, will be distributed to all residences in the area.

The issue of electricity access and other essential services in the Melghat region, specifically in the Dharni and Chikhaldara talukas of Amravati district, was highlighted by MLA Sulabha Khodke. Other members like Jayant Patil and Dilip Walse-Patil also contributed to the discussion.

Fadnavis pointed out that many villages in Melghat are situated in dense forest reserves, making it unfeasible to connect them through the conventional power grid.

He remarked that past attempts were hindered due to the absence of permissions from the Forest Department.

“In 2017, the government opted to provide individual solar systems to homes. Under the ‘Saubhagya’ program in 2018, numerous households received electricity. However, because of the region’s remoteness, Annual Maintenance Contracts could not be effectively executed, resulting in system malfunctions,” he stated.

The Chief Minister revealed that solar micro-grid installations are complete in two villages, while projects in five others are actively progressing through NGO efforts. The tender process for four villages has been finalized, with about Rs 20 crore allocated for the remaining areas.

Additionally, he mentioned that road repairs and surfacing in four villages will be prioritized.

In response to another inquiry, Fadnavis clarified that the Mukhyamantri Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme is applicable only to users consuming up to 7.5 Horsepower (HP). Farmers who limit their electricity consumption to this threshold will qualify for the scheme’s advantages. This was in response to concerns raised by MLA Satyajeet Deshmukh regarding farmers in Shirala taluka (Sangli district) who feel they are missing out on benefits.

Following grievances from Shirala farmers about inflated electricity bills, a site inspection of 52 connections was conducted. The investigation confirmed that the bills were correct and represented actual high usage, according to the Chief Minister.

He further explained that there is a special independent rate applied to these consumers, which differs from the standard rate, and the government is “considering positive options” for additional relief.

Fadnavis reiterated that consumers exceeding 7.5 HP are ineligible for the scheme.

He clarified that the classification of agricultural pumps is determined by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC), not the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).

A proposal for a separate classification was submitted to the Commission but did not receive approval. However, he assured that efforts to assist farmers will persist.