After the Pavagada Solar park in Tumakuru achieved success, the Karnataka government disclosed plans to establish another solar park in Madhugiri taluk within the district. Energy Minister K J George, speaking in Tumakuru, announced this initiative. He emphasized that the forthcoming project aimed not only to expand Karnataka's clean energy infrastructure but also promised to bolster environmental stewardship and energy security across the state.
George highlighted that the Madhugiri Solar Park would be developed through a strategic partnership with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India (THDCIL), a central government-owned entity. He stated that this collaboration intended to utilise local expertise and resources to identify suitable land parcels crucial for advancing Karnataka's renewable energy goals, thereby instilling confidence in the project's potential success.
During his visit to Tumakuru, the energy minister reviewed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM) project at the district commissioner's office. He noted that subsidies for free electricity to farmers' pump sets were increasing annually. Despite efforts to regularize these pump sets, issues persisted, leading to transformer damage and power supply disruptions caused by illegal connections. In addressing these challenges, George prioritized the KUSUM B and Kusum C projects, promoting the adoption of solar pump sets.
Regarding the Kusum C project specifics, the minister explained that generating 1 MW of electricity under this project required 4-5 acres of land. If government land was used, it would be provided free of cost and leased for 25 years. Lessees would pay Rs. 25,000 per acre annually during the lease period. These funds would be deposited into the district collector's account and allocated for developing local anganwadis, schools, and panchayats, George detailed.
