GANDHINAGAR : The central government on Wednesday directed the state government to hasten the allocation of 60,000 hectares of land for the solar and wind park project in Kutch district. The project is expected to attract an investment of about Rs 1.35 lakh crore.
The proposed solar and wind park is one of the projects of national importance that are reviewed every month under the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) programme.
The PRAGATI programme is monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.
A top state government source said that the PM wanted to know the reasons for the slow pace of some key projects.
“He specifically reviewed the land allocation process of 60,000 hectares which is close to the border with Pakistan,” the source stated.
“Unlike private land, of which acquisition is both challenging and expensive, this land is completely owned by the government. The PM has directed that the process of land allocation be completed quickly and a report on the action taken sent within a week.”
Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL), a state government undertaking, is the nodal agency for the implementation of the project. Around 30,000MW of solar and wind power is expected to be generated at the park.
The power generation at the proposed park will be in addition to the state government target of developing renewable power generation capacity of 30,000MW by 2022.
“There is a huge chunk of government land in Kutch district where acquisition is not an issue at all,” the source said. “The PM has directed that all other necessary clearances also be expedited for this project.”
Source : timesofindia
