Thrissur : Plans are on anvil for setting up of solar power plant in wetlands of Thrissur-Ponnani, The focus is to generate solar power by including pumps currently operating in the area into the PM Kusum Project.
The proposition came up during discussion on development of Thrissur-Ponnani coal plant, at the high-level meeting convened by ministers in Thrissur last week. Benefits expected to accrue include : ease of solar power generation, saving of KSEB electricity, eco-friendliness and low maintenance costs.
At the meeting it was decided to conduct study relating to project implementation across the district’s Paddy Cluster Committees(Pattashekara Samitis) and submit report at state level. 100 pumps operating in the wetlands would be converted into solar panels. There currently are 27,000 farmers aligned among 214 pattaskhekara samitis under 34 krishi bhavans. Funding for the project will be contributed by the state, farmers and NABARD. The solar panels will be so installed over motor paddocks they would not come in the way of agriculture or crops at these places.
It is intended to implement the project with participation from personnel in the agriculture department, said Agriculture Minister P Prasad at the meeting. Committees, for the purpose, shall be formed at district and state level drawing on participation of varied government departments, said state minister for power, K Krishnankutty. Attendees at the meeting also included ministers K Radhakrishnan, R Bindu, K Rajan, and MLAs.
