Nandurbar's Shift from Solar Power to Costly Grid Electricity: A Lost Opportunity?
In Maharashtra's Nandurbar district
Solar PowerGrid ElectricityNandurbarMaharashtraTribal DevelopmentClean EnergyReal Estate MaharashtraMay 27, 2024
The tribals in the area, such as Natwar Bhai Tadvi, want a solar pump for irrigation and potable water, but they are unaware of the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, which provides 95% subsidised solar pumps for irrigation. Agriculture takes up 32% of total electricity consumption in Maharashtra, and the state has commissioned one lakh solar agricultural pumps under Saur Krushi Pump Yojana.
However, the dreams of using solar power for irrigation and drinking water are fading away. The villagers are shifting to grid electricity due to technical issues, lack of maintenance, and distrust in solar efficiency. The solar pumps installed in the area are not functioning due to depleting groundwater, motor blockage, or battery or starter problems.
The government schemes, such as Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), aim to provide clean energy for agriculture and drinking water. However, the lack of technical support and maintenance has led to the failure of these schemes.
The state has the potential to generate up to 1.5 million units per year through solar photovoltaic systems and up to 2.5 million units per year through solar thermal systems. However, the lack of local technical support and employment opportunities has hindered the growth of the solar sector in the area.
Maharashtra's Nandurbar district is known for its hilly terrain and scarcity of water. The villagers have to climb up and down steep hills every day to fetch water from the river. The hydroelectric project built in Gujarat has affected the villagers, and they lack access to basic amenities like electricity and clean water.
Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Tribal Development Department, Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Gram Oorja, Prayas Energy Institute, Internews' Earth Journalism Network, 101Reporters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with solar pumps in Nandurbar district? A: The main issue is technical problems lack of maintenance and distrust in solar efficiency Q: What is Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Pump Yojana? A: It is a government scheme that provides 95% subsidised solar pumps for irrigation Q: What is the potential of solar energy in Maharashtra? A: The state has the potential to generate up to 1 5 million units per year through solar photovoltaic systems and up to 2 5 million units per year through solar thermal systems Q: Why are villagers shifting to grid electricity? A: Due to technical issues lack of maintenance and distrust in solar efficiency Q: What is the role of Gram Oorja in the solar sector? A: Gram Oorja is a Pune-based organisation that works on solar energy in tribal and rural areas and advocates for local technical support and employment opportunities
Answer not available
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