Govt may make solar water heaters mandatory

Solar lighting in govt buildings at Hubli-Dharwad, Mysore

Speaking on the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi Akshay Urja Diwas organised by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) on Thursday he said the government was in the process of implementing ‘solar cities’ project. “Hubli-Dharwad and Mysore have been chosen to incorporate solar lighting in government buildings. This one-time investment would allow them to conserve power and cut on costs”, he explained. The government was serious on cancelling projects that were completed within the stipulated time. “With all the projects that were sanctioned, we expected 8200 MW to be generated, but so far only 2400 MW is actually being produced,” he said.

The minister said they hoped to add 4,200 MW of power from renewable energy in the next five years. “This year alone, about 500 MW power from renewable energy sources will be added to the grid,” he added.

Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, K. Jothiramalingam announced the plan to make World Heritage site, Hampi, a solar city in association with the Karnataka Power  Transmission Corporation Ltd.  “Work in this regard has already begun and may become a reality in a year’s time,” he said.