Solar parks in 100 taluks under PPP model, says Shivakumar

Energy Minister D K Shivakumar, on Monday, said that solar parks will be established in more than 100 taluks in the state to address the power crisis.

Addressing reporters, at a press conference, here, the minister said, there is a demand for 10,500 megawatt and we have been supplying sufficient power.

"To provide seven hours electricity for irrigation purpose, the government has planned establishing solar parks in more than 100 taluks at a cost of Rs 100 crore each. The plants will be established under public-private partnership and the electricity will be procured at a cost of Rs 3.5 per unit," he informed.

According to him, 25 to 50 megawatt of electricity can be generated in a park, per day. The solar park at Pavagad in Tumakuru district will be commissioned within eight months and the park will start generating 1,200 Megawatt electricity once it becomes fully functional.

As electricity is a threat to wild animals, power will be supplied for irrigation purpose only during day time, the minister said.

'Is Javadekar a judge'?

When the reporters asked about Union Minister Prakash Javadekar's statement that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be sent to jail, if the BJP comes to power in the state, Shivakumar asked, is he a judge?

"Who gave him power? He (Javadekar) should clarify whether he has any influence on the judiciary," Shivakumar said.