CM Nitish Kumar today inaugurated the Lock Canal Bank Solar Power Project in Bikram area of Patna district by cutting the lace. He then inspected the project site and took stock of the functioning and arrangements there.
Officials informed CM Nitish Kumar that the project has been set up under the tenth component of the “Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali” campaign of the Bihar government – use of solar energy and energy conservation. Under this, a solar power project of 2 MW capacity has been prepared on the land of the Water Resources Department on the bank of the main canal near Vikram Lock in Patna district. The special thing is that the state government had no financial involvement in setting up this project. The Department of Energy has entered into an agreement with a private company under which electricity will be supplied at the rate of Rs. 3.10 per unit for the next 25 years. This will provide affordable and clean green energy to the people of Bikram and nearby areas.
During the inspection, CM Nitish Kumar said that the government is setting up solar plants on a large scale on the vacant lands available near canals, dams, rivers and embankments to promote solar energy. This will reduce dependence on conventional energy, promote non-polluting energy and also reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, the environment will be protected. He also informed that such projects will provide employment opportunities and economic benefits to the local people.
CM Nitish Kumar also mentioned that electricity has been provided to every household in the state and the government is trying to ensure that people get affordable, quality and uninterrupted electricity.
During the event, Secretary, Power, Shri Pankaj Kumar Pal gave a presentation to CM Nitish Kumar on the status of solar projects in the State. On this occasion, Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Energy and Planning Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. S. Siddhartha and other senior officials were also present.