Work on renewable energy park soon, says Varde
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, APRIL 13
Eager to know how solar turbines work or why CFL are more efficient than the normal lights? Well, then you need not go anywhere out to study these concepts as Goa’s first Renewable Energy Education Park will finally become a reality in the Commercial Capital by March 2011.
The Goa Energy Development Agency has tendered works on the manufacturing of exhibits at the Education park so far. And, if the Agency Member secretary Dr N P S Varde is to be believed, the civil works of the Park building would get underway soon at the land acquired by the government at Old Market adjacent the District and Sessions court building.
The Rs 2.25 crore Renewable Energy Education Park now rechristened as the Rajiv Gandhi Renewable Energy Education Park has been party funded by the Central government. “The Agency has received 50 per cent of the grants sanctioned by the centre. The balance amount would come in due course of time”, Dr Varde said, adding that the Park is being jointly funded by the central and state government on a 50:50 cost sharing basis.
Foundation stone for the Park was laid by Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat on August 20 last year on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Incidentally, the land in question was specifically acquired by State Urban Development Agency for the purpose of setting up the Non-Renewable Energy Park when Kamat presided over the Urban Development Ministry during the Parrikar regime. The acquired land, however, remained unutilized since its acquisition more than half a decade ago, before the Chief Minister completed the formalities and laid the foundation stone for the much-awaited project last year.
Officials said the park is not only expected to give a big boost to students, but would serve the dual purpose of promoting tourism.
