Will a solar energy project transform Parli in Beed district?

Mumbai, July 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, announced on Tuesday that a solar energy initiative will be established at Parli in the Beed district.

In response to a query from NCP member Dhananjay Munde during the state assembly session, the Chief Minister stated, “Upon reviewing the prospect of enhancing the number of power generation units at the existing thermal power facility in Parli, it was determined to be impractical. While constructing a new thermal unit is unfeasible, we will proceed with a solar energy project on the site of units one through five.”

He emphasized the importance of affordable power supply in the state, mentioning the implementation of an automated system, the Merit Order Dispatch, which operates based on hourly rates.

This strategy requires that cost-effective energy is procured through an automated process managed by the Load Dispatch Centre and Public Private Partnerships. As a result, restrictions have been enforced, and due to the high expenses associated with thermal power generation, establishing a new thermal unit is not feasible.

“The operation of units No. 6, 7, and 8 has not negatively impacted the efficiency or employment at the Parli Thermal Power Station. A meeting with relevant officials will be convened shortly to address technical challenges concerning the implementation of the Merit Order Dispatch related to the construction of the ninth unit at the Parli Thermal Power Station,” the Chief Minister added.

In a related matter, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik informed the Legislative Council that plans are underway to acquire land next to the forest, compensating farmers with ₹50,000 per acre annually, to install solar fencing.

This response came after queries from Sadashiv Khot regarding agricultural damage caused by wild animals in the Latur district.

Minister Naik noted the rising wildlife population in the state, which has been causing distress to farmers. A budget allocation of ₹200 crore has been made for solar fencing in forest-adjacent areas, with agreements planned with solar manufacturing firms through the Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation.

Additionally, he mentioned a proposal to cultivate a type of grass called Palm Rosa, which would not only generate solar energy but also deter wild animals, creating economic opportunities.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule praised Minister Naik for his initiative to implement solar fencing in buffer zones for surrounding farmers, asserting that it would protect citizens from potential wild animal attacks.