JAMMU, Nov 21: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar today said work is in progress for setting up of 13 GW solar power plant in Ladakh which will not only meet local requirements but also help solve energy needs of other parts of the country.
Speaking to media persons and addressing meeting of the senior officers in Leh on Day 1 of his two-day visit to Ladakh, Khattar said Ladakh has a huge potential of solar power owing to its vast area.
He reviewed the functioning of the Power and Housing departments in Ladakh, and announced to conduct a survey of all the homeless people in the Union Territory to ensure no one remains homeless.
Referring to the challenges faced by the Power Department during winter session, the Power Minister said that additional demands of power from the UT are being met from the Government of India’s excess quota to ensure that there is uninterrupted supply of power during harsh winter months.
“All efforts will be made to address manpower issues of the Power Department at the earliest,” he added.
On Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme of Ladakh, Khattar said that works to the tune of Rs 1080 crore have already been awarded and activities have started.
“Power supply and distribution lines up to Nubra and Zanskar will be set up expeditiously which will prove to be of great help in meeting energy requirements of the two regions. All efforts are being made on war-footing to remove bottlenecks associated with the projects,” the Power Minister said.
He said a survey of all homeless people will be conducted in the Union Territory so that they can avail the benefits of PM Awas Yojana. The Ministry will ensure that no person remains homeless in Ladakh,” Khattar added.
He also said that financial assistance has been provided to all the street vendors under the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, and all efforts will be made to ensure that no one is left out.
On waste management and worker safety, he emphasized Ladakh’s goal of achieving 100 per cent processing of waste materials.
“I was presented a detailed project report on this. I also stressed the importance of improving the working conditions of ‘Safai Mitras’ to eliminate occupational hazards,” Khattar said.
Instructing the officials to expedite the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) for the water supply and sewage treatment plant (STP) projects in Leh and Kargil, Khattar said, “Timely completion of these DPRs is crucial for the smooth implementation of the projects which will enhance the quality of life in both the regions.”
Khattar inspected transmission lines and power projects in Leh and also met Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Retd) BD Mishra. He discussed development scenario of Ladakh with regard to Power and Housing and Urban Development projects.
He also chaired a meeting of the senior officers to review the developmental works.
