Soon, project to make farmers power producers: Rana Gurjit

Tribune News Service

Mohali, January 10

The state government will soon launch a pilot project at the Nathu Chahal feeder of Kapurthala district to convert farmers from power consumer to power producer, said state Power and Irrigation Minister Rana Gurjit Singh here today.

The minister was in the town to flag off 16 Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) comprehensive promotional mobile vans, which would traverse several parts of the state for promotion of the “UJALA” programme.

Earlier, talking on the Nathu Chahl project, the minister claimed that the project would enable farmers not only to use solar power to run their tubewells, but also enable them to produce power and sell that to earn extra income.

He added that with the success of the project, the state government would also be able to save Rs 7,000 crore it paid for power subsidy.

Rana Gurjit said the UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable Lighting for all) programme in various districts of the state had immensely benefited the people and increased the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

“The vans, designed as an innovative publicity mechanism, will travel across the state to spread the message of adoption of advanced energy-efficient appliances such as LED bulbs and tubelights and ceiling fans,” said the minister.