Team Herald
MARGAO: In a move to address Goa’s rising energy demand and promote renewable energy, Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has proposed a new opportunity for landowners with unused fields.
Speaking at an event in Dramapur, Dhavalikar urged farmers to consider transforming fallow agricultural land into solar farms, which would help meet the area’s energy needs while generating additional income for landowners.
The event marked the foundation stone laying for the renovation and improvement of the LT distribution network in the village panchayats of Chinchinim, Sarzora, and Dramapur, under Sub-Division-II, Chinchinim, Division-XVI, Margao.
Dhavalikar also promoted the PM Suryadhar Muft Bijli Yojana, a government initiative offering free rooftop solar installations. He encouraged households consuming 300 to 400 units of electricity per month to apply, highlighting that participants could potentially eliminate their electricity bills. The scheme includes free installation of residential solar plants up to 5 KW for eligible consumers, provided they have sufficient roof space. Additional benefits include a 10-year waiver on Fixed Charges, FPPCA, Public Lighting Duty, and Electricity Duty.
Dhavalikar added that the department would soon hold awareness campaigns in Salcete and South Goa involving the panchayats for the same to help promote and push the use of solar power.
Power Department officials said the assurances given by the Prime Minister at various international meets and conventions to help mitigate climate change, is being met with the launch of such initiatives.
Power department officials also assured locals that infrastructure upgrades would improve the power supply in the region. Addressing concerns, Dhavalikar also emphasized the state's growing energy needs. “Goa’s power demand is increasing. Two years ago, it was 650-700 MW. Today, it’s 850 MW, and in five years, it will reach 1200 MW,” Dhavalikar pointed out that the increase in household electronics has driven higher power consumption, and the government cannot deny new power connections, which are essential for water supply and industrial development.