Leh Council asks officials to speed up work on solar power project

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman of the council, Tsering Angchuk, Administrative Secretary, Power Distribution Department, Vikram Singh Malik, Leh DC Santosh Sukhadeve and others.

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) officials informed that the project contract has now been awarded to M/s Prozeal Green Energy, following the termination of the previous contract, and that survey work is currently underway. While the approved project duration is 36 months, SECI assured the Council of its efforts to complete the project ahead of schedule.

The meeting also reviewed recent developments including the execution of the lease deed and the opening of a dedicated LAHDC Leh bank account for the project. Expressing concern over the delay in implementation, Tashi Gyalson stated that the timeline mentioned in the original MoU has already lapsed.

He cautioned that continued delays could lead to the cancellation of the land allotment. SECI requested an amendment to the MoU and assured that timely execution would now be ensured. Gyalson directed SECI officials to address all pending ground-level issues. He also reviewed the status of the 220 kV Phyang-Disket transmission line.

Aparup Paul, GM of RECPDCL, a power distribution company, informed that site mobilization is expected within the next couple of days and that work will begin by April 15. He added that a delay in cost escalation approval may affect timelines. Gyalson assured full support from the Council and said that the matter would be taken up with the concerned ministry in the Government of India.