Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
Two pumps of 3,700 horsepower each will run continuously under the new water supply scheme. As a result, electricity bills are expected to run into crores every month. The municipal corporation cannot afford this expenditure at all. Therefore, a decision has been taken to set up at least a 100 MW solar power project after finalising suitable land within the next few days. Preliminary assessments are currently underway, said the municipal commissioner Amol Yedge.
The new water supply scheme is expected to be commissioned by the end of May, initially providing 50 to 60 MLD of water to the city. Thereafter, from Diwali onwards, the entire city is expected to receive 200 MLD of water. At present, the corporation supplies 140 MLD of water to the city, with electricity costs amounting to approximately Rs 5.5 crore per month. Under the new scheme, this expense could rise to Rs 8–10 crore. The actual financial impact will be clearer once the pumps begin operation. Two pumps of 3,700 horsepower running for one hour consume about 5,000 units of electricity. With one unit costing around Rs 9, the expenditure will depend on the number of hours the pumps are operated. It is estimated that the annual electricity bill could reach Rs 100–125 crore. This entire burden will fall on the municipal corporation, hence the decision has been taken to opt for a solar project.
Decision within two weeks
While speaking to the media, the civic chief said, “ A decision regarding the solar project will be taken within two weeks. The proposed project will have a minimum capacity of 100 MW. Land will need to be identified for the project. The administration will attempt to secure government land; however, if that is not available, private land will be taken on lease for setting up the solar project. Around 3.5 acres of land is required for a 1 MW project. While selecting land, it must first be assessed whether the project can be effectively implemented there. The project cannot be set up in hilly or unsuitable terrain.”