The impact of the Yogi Adityanath government’s push for solar energy adoption in the state is becoming evident as villages join the campaign. Lalitpur’s district administration has taken a proactive stance, illuminating numerous villages with solar power in alignment with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision. The first phase has seen five villages being illuminated with solar energy, with a roadmap underway to extend this initiative district-wide.
As part of its strategic vision, the state government is actively engaged in developing solar parks to transform the Bundelkhand region into a hub of solar energy. The ambitious plan includes the development of the largest solar park across Jhansi, Lalitpur and Chitrakoot, spanning an impressive 9,000 acres. Once completed, a massive 2,000 MW solar plant will be operational, generating an estimated 4700 million units of electricity annually. Currently, the government is in the process of acquiring the required land through leasing arrangements to realise this vision.
Bundelkhand, which suffered from neglect and resource plunder in previous regimes, is now witnessing a new dimension of development under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. While on one hand, Bundelkhand is being developed as a hub for bulk drug parks, efforts are also being made to boost infrastructure through initiatives like Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA).
In this series, Lalitpur has achieved significant progress in the field of solar energy. Aligned with Chief Minister Yogi’s vision, about 350 houses in five villages adjacent to the forest are shining with solar power in the first phase. Additionally, 73 street lights have eradicated darkness from the streets.
According to Lalitpur’s District Magistrate Akshay Tripathi, Vanguwa, Lakhanjar, Hirapur, Papada and Barai villages of the development block Madawara are situated in the middle of the forests. Therefore, to supply electricity to these villages, lines need to be drawn through the forests. This not only poses a threat to the forests but also affects wildlife adversely. In response, there is a plan to supply electricity through solar power here.
Surveys conducted in these villages revealed that although electricity was supplied through solar plants earlier, they have been inactive for the past few years. Hence, nearly Rs 70 lakh were collected through the CSR (corporate social responsibility) fund and District Mineral fund for three and two villages respectively to restart solar power. After this, solar power was restored, and electricity supply began in the villages. Today, every household in these villages has been provided with connections for two bulbs and a fan. Villagers are receiving free electricity supply through solar power.
The district magistrate further said that under Chief Minister Yogi’s vision, electricity supply through solar was being provided to five villages in the first phase. Now, in the second phase, electricity supply through solar energy will be extended to all government buildings in the city. Along with this, for the solar park, out of the approximately 2,700 acres of land identified, 1,317.80 acres of government land and 1,022.73 acres of private land have been earmarked. About 86 per cent of the land has been acquired on lease.
He mentioned that the land of about nine villages has been identified. Internal grid sub-station construction work for fencing and solar energy extraction is being carried out by UP Power Corporation Limited. With a capacity of 600 megawatts, this plant will produce 1,400 million units of electricity annually.
