Karnataka generates 200MW solar power under Kusum-C; 545MW to follow
Speaking to reporters after the energy department's progress review meeting of Hassan district, held on Friday at the Zilla Panchayat hall in the city, George said, "Under the Kusum-C scheme, construction of solar units with a capacity of around 200MW is completed. In the next few months, solar units with a capacity of 545MW will be commissioned at 93 locations. This will help provide an adequate daytime electricity supply to farmers."
"The state govt has set a target of generating 2,400MW of solar electricity through feeder solarisation of agricultural pumpsets under the Kusum-C scheme. Recently, chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated a solar power unit established under the Kusum-C scheme in Gauribidanur. The feeder solarisation work is progressing at a rapid pace," the energy minister added.
Under the Kusum-C scheme, generating 1MW of electricity requires 4 acres of land. If govt land is available, CM Siddaramaiah has directed that it be allocated free of cost. However, private power producers must pay ₹25,000 per acre, which will be deposited with the district commissioner and used to improve govt schools and anganwadis in villages where the substations are located, the minister elaborated.
"If private land is used, developers awarded the power generation contracts will lease the land and pay landowners a minimum of ₹25,000 per acre," George said.
Of the 4 lakh unauthorised irrigation pumpsets in the state, 3 lakh are already regularised. For pumpsets within 500m of power feeders, transformers will be installed by the department. Those beyond 500m will receive
solar pumpsets
under the Kusum-B scheme, he said.
Earlier, during a progress review meeting, the district MLAs raised issues concerning the energy department in their constituencies. In response, George instructed the CESC MD to take swift action and reiterated that officials should proactively consult elected representatives and follow through on their suggestions. MP
Shreyas Patel
, MLA and Housing Board chairman KM Shivalingegowda, MLAs K Manju, Swaroop Prakash, CN Balakrishna, HK Suresh, and S Manjunath were present.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
RPAs for 3 services to mountain radars: DAC clears procurements worth Rs 67,000 cr
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved a range of military procurement proposals for the armed forces worth nearly Rs 67,000 crore. These include the procurement of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) for the three services, a compact autonomous surface craft for the Navy, maintenance support for the C-17 and C-130J fleets of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and a comprehensive annual maintenance contract for the S-400 long range air defence missile system. The DAC's approval for the maintenance of both American and Russian platforms with the IAF can be considered a display of strategic autonomy by India, especially at a time when the US President Donald Trump has been criticising India over its crude oil imports from Russia, a move New Delhi termed 'unjustified and unreasonable targeting' of the country. The IAF has a fleet of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft, procured from the US in 2010-11, followed by additional orders in the subsequent years. The IAF operates a fleet of 11 C-17 Globemaster III aircraft procured between 2013 and 2019. Both were procured by India from the US under separate Foreign Military Sale (FMS) agreements. India had signed the S-400 deal with Russia in 2018, a year after the US passed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The long range surface to air missile system played a critical role in defending Indian skies during Operation Sindoor between May 7 and 10. These procurements are particularly significant in the light of Operation Sindoor, which was launched by India on May 7 after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, and appear to be drawn from lessons learnt from it. According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, the DAC has granted an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of Thermal Imager-based Driver Night Sights for the Battle Mechanised Platforms with the Army, which will enhance the night driving capability of BMPs and provide higher mobility and operational advantage to the mechanised infantry. The DAC is the primary body responsible for approving major capital acquisitions in defence. The first step in the defence procurement process is the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN). However, obtaining an AoN does not always lead to a final order. The DAC also approved the procurement of the compact autonomous surface craft, the BrahMos fire control system and launchers, and the upgrade of the BARAK-1 point defence missile system for the Navy. 'The procurement of the compact autonomous surface craft will enable the Indian Navy to detect, classify and neutralise threats during anti-submarine warfare missions,' the statement said. For the Indian Air Force, an AoN was granted for the procurement of mountain radars and the upgrade of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER weapon system, which will enhance air surveillance capabilities along and across borders in mountainous regions. The upgrade of the SAKSHAM/SPYDER system for integration with the Integrated Air Command and Control System will strengthen India's air defence capabilities. Additionally, the procurement of MALE RPAs for three services will support round-the-clock surveillance and combat readiness, as these aircraft can carry multiple payloads and weapons while operating at longer ranges for extended missions.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Lalbagh flower show to open in Bengaluru on August 7
Bengaluru: The annual flower show at Lalbagh Botanical Garden will be held from Aug 7 to 18, drawing thousands of visitors to witness a grand display steeped in history and tribute. The 218th edition of the 12-day show, to be inaugurated by chief minister Siddaramaiah Thursday 10am at the Glass House, is themed on Kittur Rani Chennamma and Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, two prominent freedom fighters known for their resistance against British rule. A highlight of the show is the continued homage to GH Krumbiegel, Lalbagh's first superintendent and a key figure in Karnataka's horticultural development. His work with the Mysore and Baroda dynasties, including the establishment of Mysore Horticultural Society, remains central to the state's botanical legacy. Each year, the show adopts a commemorative theme celebrating figures from Karnataka's and India's history. Past honourees include Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Mahatma Gandhi and thespian Rajkumar. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru This year's show features over 36.5 lakh flowers, arranged in elaborate designs to reflect the chosen theme. As per M Jagadeesh, joint director of the horticulture department, the event has been organised with a budget of Rs 3 crore. Flowers used include cut, bed-grown and part-grown varieties; nearly 4 lakh peach Dutch rose stems and 1,200kg of Dutch chrysanthemums are being used. Chrysanthemums come from Chikkaballapur and Kolar, while roses are sourced from Hosur and the International Flower Auction, Bengaluru. The garden will be open to visitors from 6am to 9pm daily. — Anushka Rai
India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
RICH Alliance: Trump's Tariff War Backfires? Russia Backs India And Hints At Emerging Ties With China
While U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly stated that he will "substantially" increase tariffs on India, New Delhi has made it clear that it will not yield to pressure. Meanwhile, Russia has also pushed back against Washington's move. Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger once famously said, 'Being America's enemy may be dangerous, but being its friend is fatal.' That sentiment seems to be playing out in real time as the relationship between India and the US may be emerging into a diplomatic turning point. In today's DNA episode, Managing Editor of Zee News, Rahul Sinha, analysed a possible alliance between India, Russia, and China: Watch Full DNA Episode Here: #DNAWithRahulSinha | वर्ल्ड ऑर्डर बदला.. यूएस का 'दबदबा' गया! 'मिशन RICH'..ट्रंप के लिए कितना घातक?#DNA #India #USA #DonaldTrump #TarrifWar@RahulSinhaTV — Zee News (@ZeeNews) August 5, 2025 In a strong statement, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused the U.S. of using tariffs as a tool to dominate other nations. She said countries that chose a different path from Washington were being economically pressured and that Russia supports a multipolar and equitable world order. This, she added, is why Russia stands with India—and even with China—against America's hegemonic approach. Zakharova further claimed the U.S. is reacting out of frustration as it struggles to accept its diminishing influence in the new world order. According to her, tariffs and sanctions will not stop the shift toward a new global structure. Zakharova also suggested, a new alliance could be on the brink after the US' tariffs announcement. This emerging alignment between Russia, India, and China could reshape the global balance of power. The question now being asked: Has Donald Trump's aggressive trade policy inadvertently triggered the rise of a powerful R-I-C-H bloc? What Is 'RICH'? A new alliance named 'RICH'—short for Russia, India, and China—could pose an even greater challenge to the United States than the BRICS. The acronym itself, symbolizing 'wealth and prosperity,' hints at a formidable coalition. While Russia has previously called for stronger India-Russia-China cooperation, current global tensions and Trump's policies may make this partnership more realistic than ever before. 'RICH' vs America GDP Power: America has a GDP of US Donald 28 trillion (Rs. 23 lakh crore), but the combined GDP of Russia, India, and China is close behind at Rs. 21 lakh crore. Population Power: Together, India, China, and Russia are home to nearly 3 billion people—about 37 percent of the world's population—far surpassing the U.S., which has just 330 million people or 4 percent of the global total. Military Strength: The combined military strength of the three nations is 4.8 million troops, compared to America's 1.3 million. Even when factoring in NATO allies, the numbers still tilt heavily toward the RICH bloc. Nuclear Arsenal: RICH nations possess approximately 6,300 nuclear weapons, compared to America's 5,200. Defense Capabilities, Self-Sufficiency While the U.S. remains the world's largest arms producer, Russia and China also rank among the top global arms manufacturers. India, too, is rapidly advancing toward self-reliance in defense production. Together, the three countries could pose a significant challenge to NATO on land, at sea, and in the air. However, experts caution that military confrontation between global powers could have catastrophic consequences, making economic and diplomatic battles more likely. Notably, these countries are also resource-rich and largely self-sufficient: Energy: Russia holds vast reserves of oil, gas, and coal and is a major exporter of fossil fuels. India is advancing in nuclear and solar energy, while China leads globally in the manufacture of solar panels and wind turbines. Natural Resources: Russia has significant reserves of titanium, nickel, cobalt, and uranium. China accounts for over 60 percent of global rare earth metal production. India, meanwhile, is rich in bauxite, iron ore, graphite, and manganese. Agriculture: India is the world's largest producer of milk and pulses. Russia leads in wheat exports, while China excels in agricultural machinery and food production. In short, if united, these three nations would have little need for external support in energy, food, or defense. Strategic Shifts and Diplomatic Openings While deep mistrust exists between India and China, recent developments suggest that the gap may be narrowing. India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is set to visit China this month, followed by a trip by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar. These diplomatic engagements, possibly accelerated by Trump's confrontational tactics, may help bridge long-standing divides.
