500 KW solar project in Palwal stalled due to pending approval
The much-anticipated 500 KW solar power plant — the first-of-its-kind in the district — has yet to see any progress, despite being proposed more than a year ago. Planned by the Power Department to address electricity shortages in rural areas, the project has been stalled due to a lack of formal approval from higher authorities, according to sources.
Originally slated to be set up near Bahin village, the project’s delay may have been influenced by last year’s Parliamentary and state Assembly elections, sources in the department suggest.
The project was envisioned to provide relief to farmers, particularly for operating tubewells and other agricultural activities. However, no work has commenced yet. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the limited eight-hour power supply to the agriculture sector was one of the key reasons behind the proposal.
"Although several feeders have been identified where solar energy could help enhance power supply, no actual work has started," sources in the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and the district administration said.
Mahender Singh Chauhan, a leader of the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, criticised the current situation, saying, "Farmers are not even getting the promised eight hours of electricity supply. We have raised this issue multiple times, but there has been no resolution."
Echoing similar concerns, Gajraj, a resident of Hathin, said: "There has been no improvement in the power supply in rural areas. We are still waiting for relief."
The Haryana Government had introduced a solar power policy in 2016 to promote renewable energy. The policy aimed to encourage private and public sector participation in solar energy projects by utilising wastelands and non-agricultural land for power generation, ensuring socio-economic growth and reducing regional disparities.
Under this policy, the government had planned to install solar power plants through Haryana Power Generation Corporation, develop solar parks and projects under schemes like National Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (NVVNL) and NTPC, establish solar plants along canal banks and promote rooftop grid-connected plants through net metering, particularly on government buildings.
Despite these efforts, progress remains sluggish. While the district currently has 1,300 solar-powered tubewells, the number of rooftop solar connections stands at only 32 — a figure far below expectations.
When contacted, Ranjan Rao, Superintending Engineer, DHBVN, said he had no information about the project’s status.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Vashisht assured that he would look into the matter.
"I will inquire with the authorities concerned to understand the reason for the delay," he said.
With growing power demands in rural areas and farmers awaiting a stable electricity supply, stakeholders hope that the project will be expedited before another planting season passes.