Giving further push to the solar power sector in Punjab, the Deputy Chief Minister, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today inaugurated 100 MW solar power plant established at Sardargarh , Karamgarh Satran, Chugge Kalan and Balluana. He said that the plant established by Adani group and costing Rs. 640 crore would prove to be a game changer for not only the 232 farmers who have given their land on lease for the project but would act as a perfect example for the other regions to follow. He also said that this is the country's biggest horizontal single axis tracker plant at a single location and would be instrumental in changing the face of the state.Addressing a huge gathering at village Karamgarh Satran, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this developmental journey would continue unhindered and would not be allowed to be hijacked by the rowdy elements inimical to the peace and prosperity of Punjab. He also divulged that the state government is contemplating bringing approximately 25000 acre land under the purview of solar power sector.
Coming to the developmental plank, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the Chief Minister, Punjab, S. Parkash Singh Badal is a messiah of the people of Punjab who has ensured the fast track prosperity of the state in all the developmental spheres. He further said that what the state government had promised it has accomplished which is clear from the all round progress the state has made. Disclosing more, he said that in the next 5 years all 12000 villages of the state would be provided with sewerage facilities , solar lights and concretized streets at a cost of Rs. 35000 crore. He also announced that the airport at Bathinda would be operationalized soon proving to be a major relief for the people of the region. Taking on AAP and Congress for being out of tune with the needs and aspirations of Punjab, he said that no stone would be left unturned to ensure further progress of Punjab on all developmental parameters.On the occasion, New and Renewable Energy Minister, Punjab, S. Bikram Singh Majithia said that the times are changing fast and the solar power is fastly emerging as the core sector with ample scope for the future.
Divulging more, he said that the farmers who have given their land for the plant would get Rs. 55000 per acre per annum which would increase by 5 percent every year. He said that the solar power sector has attracted most investment in Punjab which is evident from the fact that in 2012 the investment was Rs. 82 crore which has today risen to 10000 crore. The minister also said that Mansa, Bathinda and Muktsar are emerging as a hub of solar power . Disclosing more, he said that from futuristic point of view only those states would progress who would harness hydro, solar, bio-mass and coal power.S . Majithia also divulged that the state has occupied numero uno spot in rooftop plants and the novel initiative of net metering has resulted in the reduction of power bills.The minister further said that the Prime Minister has also awarded Punjab for making giant strides in the solar power sector which is a stamp of approval on the policies of Punjab Government.Batting for clean and green energy, S. Majithia said that further developing this sector would ensure healthy environment.Among others present on the occasion included EX-MP Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Principal Secretary (Renewable Energy ) Anirudh Tewari, Vice-Chairman PEDA Kulwant Singh Keetu, Director Adani group Pranav Adani and others.