Latest news with #SubhashShirodkar
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
WRD rejects Rs 1.3k cr investment proposal for solar power plan
Panaji: Water resources department (WRD) minister Subhash Shirodkar said on Tuesday that his department has turned down a proposal by SJVN Green Energy Ltd (SGEL) to invest over Rs 1,300 crore to generate 198MW of power by setting up four floating solar projects in Goa, as it could lead to water pollution. SGEL proposed to state govt to develop floating solar power projects in two phases. In the first phase, floating solar power projects were planned at Amthane and Chapoli dams, and in the second phase, at Salaulim and Anjunem dams. Speaking to TOI, Shirodkar said, 'I turned down the proposal as solar panels have batteries, cells, and liquid, and even if the company said they have a foolproof system, there is a possibility of some material falling into the water. We use water not only for irrigation but also for drinking, and we cannot take a risk.' Shirodkar mentioned that there would be 1,000 solar panels on the dams, and there are possibilities that they might fall into the water. The state would have to purchase the power from the PSU at Rs 3.8-4.3 per kWh, the proposal stated. SGEL conducted hydrographic studies on four water bodies with an investment of around Rs 1 crore. They involved various analyses through which information was gathered, including bed levels, cross-sections, profiles, and features using echo sounding techniques, water levels, and outflow/inflow data at critical locations. They also involved the collection of water, soil, and rock samples and conducting in situ tests as well as laboratory tests and analysis to obtain geological parameters. 'The combined data from all the above is then analysed to establish the final feasible capacity of FSPV on the reservoir,' a senior official said. Referring to water quality improvement, SGEL stated that floating solar panels can help reduce algal blooms by blocking excessive sunlight that fuels their growth, thereby improving water quality and enhancing aquatic ecosystems. In terms of biodiversity enhancement, SGEL said that well-designed floating solar installations can provide artificial habitats for aquatic species, fostering biodiversity and supporting local ecosystems. Regarding enhanced energy security, SGEL said that diversification of energy sources through floating solar power projects can enhance energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthening resilience against supply disruptions. SGEL said that the benefits of the floating solar power project include helping the state meet the state renewable purchase obligations (RPO) of 25% of the demand, which will further increase to 43% by 2030. It will also generate employment for locals in the state, reduce evaporation losses of reservoirs, reduce carbon emissions resulting in a cleaner environment, help in making Goa a green state, and realise revenue in the form of GST during the development stage of the project, it said.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
K'taka says no to joint inspection of Mhadei site again
Panaji/Keri: At the fourth meeting of the Progressive River Authority for Welfare & Harmony (Prawah) held on Tuesday, Karnataka again opposed Goa's demand for a joint inspection of the Mhadei basin and water diversion projects taken up by Karnataka. At the meeting, the Prawah gave its nod for the Virdi project of Maharashtra. Goa agreed to the project. Goa's stand was that the return flow of water after irrigation will flow back to Goa and supplement the water availability in Valvont river, facilitating the functioning of drinking water plants in the area in Goa. 'We asked that a joint inspection be carried out of the Mhadei basin by all the states concerned. Karnataka had opposed it earlier and opposed it on Tuesday as well,' said Goa's minister for water resources Subhash Shirodkar. 'Their stand was that the matter is sub judice. The Prawah also felt the matter is in the Supreme Court.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo He added, 'We have pressed for our demand that the joint inspection take place.' He said Karnataka is opposing the joint inspection because it is in the wrong. 'The one who is afraid and has made a mistake is opposing the joint inspection. We are in the right, so favour the inspection,' he said. 'Let us see what the Prawah council says or else we will have to take it up before the Supreme Court.' The Prawah meeting was held at Vikas Souda, Bengaluru. At the meeting, Goa was represented by S S Gill, the secretary for water resources, a member of the Prawah, along with Goa WRD chief engineer Pramod Badami, and the superintending engineer of the Mhadei cell, Dilip Naik. The Prawah has deferred the decision on the joint inspection. 'We cannot say that the present provision made for water is sufficient and that we do not need to increase our water storage further,' said Shirodkar on the Virdi project. 'We need to keep enhancing water storage.'
