Sir,
This refers to Tapping solar power potential in J&K and Ladakh by Daharmpal Balgotra and Swarnveer Singh (Daily Excelsior 21.03.2020). Authors have provided very interesting information wherein erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state was allocated a collective target of 1150 MW Solar Power to be achieved by the end of 2022, out of which 450 MW was to be achieved through Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Power. Given the present scenario I am sure this target won’t be achieved by year 2022.
Tapping solar energy is need of the hour especially in environmentally fragile Jammu & Kashmir where lots of forest trees have been axed already during last 20 years for laying high voltage transmission lines. In a landlocked place we shall avoid high voltage power lines and towers and instead focus on tapping solar power.
During execution of Samba Amargrah transmission line (NRSS XXIX) the power company allotted the project axed more than 45,000 forest trees in Rajouri , Poonch, Shopian and Budgam districts as per official information of Forest department. The compensation provided to the UT is 10 times less which needs a CBI probe. If we continue to axe our trees with the same pace what shall we do after 2 to 3 decades when our 60 to 70 % forest cover will perish ? I believe Government must put a moratorium on laying of high voltage transmission lines (220 KV , 440 KV DC) and instead put all the efforts on investing in clean energy model ie Solar Energy.
Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat
Chairman J&K
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