The ambitious solar power project in the Dhule district of Maharashtra, a first-of-its-kind in the state, has hit a major roadblock. The project has been delayed by over six months.
The project, state officials claim, is the world’s largest and will substantially mitigate the power crisis in the state and Mumbai since a certain amount of power has been designated for the island city as well.
The forest department has allegedly stake claim to around 325 hectares of the 405 hectares allotted for the 125 MW Shivajinagar Sakri solar power plant in Dhule, as it does not have requisite permissions and NOCs.
A Maharashtra State Power Generation Compa-ny (Mahagenco) official said during the transfer of around 80 hectares of land to the company, all concerned governments were aware of the development. “It is surprising that forest officials suddenly realised that the land belonged to them. We would have definitely applied for clearances had they told us their objection right in the beginning,” he said.
Sources said hectic negotiations are on between the ministries of forests and power. “Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is personally looking into the issue,” said a Mahagenco official, refusing to comment further.
The `1,987 crore-project has been funded by German bank KFW and uses the photo-valtic technology on the solar cells for enhancing capability.
Principal secretary, forest department, Pravin Pardhesi, however, said they had never “objected”. “They asked us some queries, which we answered and the proposal will be cleared in a month. Even the Union ministry of environment and forest has given an in-principle approval to the project,” he said.