Maha state to get 1 lakh solar pumps in phase 2

Mumbai: The chief minister’s solar agriculture pump scheme is in demand all over the state. In the first phase, Maharashtra State Electric Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is in the concluding process for installation of 25,000 solar pumps.

Because of huge response, more than one lakh solar pumps will be installed throughout the state in the second phase. On the other hand, 25,000 applications have been rejected for various reasons.

There are 1 lakh applications received by the department. The highest number of applications has been received from Marathwada region. Most of the applications from the Marathwada region have been received from Aurangabad, Jalna, Nanded and Hingoli districts. These are drought prone areas. Vidarbha stands second in terms of applications for solar pumps.

“It was decided to launch the second phase for 50,000 solar pumps. But looking at the response from farmers, we are launching the second phase for 1 lakh solar pumps. We have already floated tenders for the same,” said an MSEDCL official.

After the cabinet’s approval to allow 1 lakh solar pumps under the scheme, the MSEDCL has decided to float tenders. After increasing the number of solar pumps, the cost of each solar pump will be reduced. As per the scheme, farmers will have to pay 10 per cent of the actual price for installation of the solar pump,  around Rs 25,000 to Rs 38,000. Applicants from the ST and SC community will be charged less.