Gujarat’s power capacity reaches 51,869 MW, renewable energy projects underway

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Gandhinagar, March 11 (IANS) Gujarat’s total installed power capacity has surged to 51,869 MW as of October 2024, marking a significant rise from 48,914 MW in March 2024 and 42,719 MW in March 2023, government officials said.

This growth of 9,150 MW over 18 months underscores the state’s rapid progress in the energy sector, according to official government data.

The Gujarat government is now accelerating its shift towards renewable energy, with plans to implement solar, wind, and hybrid power projects totalling 37,350 MW by 2026.

This initiative, requiring an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, will be spearheaded by Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), designated as the nodal agency.

To facilitate this expansion, the state has allocated 74,700 hectares in Khawda, Kutch, to six developer companies.

According to the Economic Survey presented in the Gujarat Assembly, these projects are expected to generate the targeted 37,350 MW by December 2026.

The state’s solar power capacity has also seen substantial growth.

As of March 2024, Gujarat’s solar power plants generated 13,545 MW, including 3,456 MW from rooftop solar.

By October 2024, the total solar power generation increased to 15,593 MW, with rooftop solar contributing 4,488 MW.

In 2023-24, Gujarat generated 1,49,094 million units of electricity, while the first six months of 2024-25 have already seen production reaching 93,067 MW.

Building on the success of the Charanka Solar Park, the first multi-developer and multi-beneficiary solar model introduced in 2010, Gujarat is now developing the world’s largest renewable energy park with a capacity of 37.35 GW.

This park will integrate solar, wind, and hybrid projects, cementing Gujarat’s position as a leader in renewable energy.

Meanwhile, a 700 MW Ultra Mega Solar Power Project (UMSPP) has been approved on 1,392 hectares in Radhanesda, Vav taluka, with work completed for the 2024-25 period.

Additionally, in Dholera, a 1,000 MW UMSPP spread over 9,800 hectares is underway.

Of this, 300 MW has been operational since 2022, and another 700 MW is set to go online by 2024-25.

–IANS

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Maha Kumbh stampede: Amit Shah assures all assistance to ensure safety of devotees

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Following the stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and assured all possible support from the Centre.

The stampede-like situation broke out at the Sangam amid the celebration of the Mauni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

HM Shah took stock of the situation during the conversation and assured all possible assistance from the Centre to manage the situation and ensure the safety of devotees.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued an appeal to the devotees attending the Maha Kumbh to follow the guidelines and cooperate with the administration. In his statement, CM Yogi requested devotees to bathe at the designated Ganga ghats closest to their location rather than attempting to reach the ‘Sangam Nose’ area.

“There are multiple ghats available for bathing. Please avoid overcrowding and follow the directions of the administration. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining order and safety,” he said.

He urged the devotees not to pay attention to any rumours. In the appeal, posted on social media platform X, the CM wrote; “Take bath at the ghat of Mother Ganga near which you are, do not try to go towards Sangam Nose. All of you should follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate in making arrangements. People are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam. Do not pay any attention to any rumours.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CM Yogi about the situation following the stampede-like situation in the Kumbh area. The Prime Minister called for immediate support measures.

The crowd Diversion Plan was implemented at Maha Kumbh and the entry of devotees was halted. Groups of devotees were stopped on the outskirts of the city.

A stampede-like situation broke out at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday ahead of the ‘Amrit Snan’ on ‘Mauni Amavasya’.

According to officials, a large number of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which led to a stampede-like situation and injured many.

At least 30 women are reportedly injured and are undergoing treatment at the central hospital established in the Mela area.

The Uttar Pradesh government expected 10 crore pilgrims to the Maha Kumbh in just one day and had stepped up security in preparation for the ‘Amrit Snan’.

The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered for the holy dip, prompting the Akharas to temporarily postpone the event.

The chaos ensued about a kilometre from the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, when barricades broke, causing panic among the crowd.

The rush of people led to several women fainting, and as they fell to the ground, a stampede-like situation emerged. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital located within the Maha Kumbh fairgrounds. Some of the more seriously injured were transferred to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College for treatment.

–IANS

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Congress MP attack: Rakibul Hussain refusing for medical examination, says Assam CM

Guwahati, Feb 22 (IANS) Taking a jibe at the opposition, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the Congress MP Rakibul Hussain, who came under attack by miscreants, has refused to undergo a medical examination that is required for an investigation.

The Chief Minister said, “Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Rakibul Hussain today filed a First Information Report (FIR) alleging an assault that occurred yesterday. However, the MP has so far declined to undergo a medical examination.”

“Without this examination, law enforcement cannot accurately determine and apply the appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code) in the FIR. It is crucial for the Congress party and the Leader of the Opposition to take note of this position,” he added.

Police on Friday arrested 10 persons for their involvement in an attack on Hussain.

Chief Minister Sarma said, “The police have identified the individuals involved in the alleged incident of assault on Congress MP Rakibul Hussain.”

He has also added that action will be taken as per the law.

Hussain, a Member of Parliament from Dhubri Lok Sabha sea,t was attending a public programme in the Nagaon district when he was attacked by some miscreants.

The Congress MP had to run from the spot wearing a helmet to save himself from the attackers.

The security officers of Hussain sustained minor injuries in the attack.

In a viral video, it was seen that some masked miscreants initially showed black flags to the Congress MP, and following that they launched an attack on him.

Hussian was seen fleeing from the spot in a two-wheeler to save himself from the attack.

The incident which happened in the Ruporihat locality in the Nagaon district drew criticism from the opposition, with Congress leaders hitting out at the BJP-led Assam government.

Gaurav Gogoi, Deputy Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, launched an attack on the BJP government as Congress MP Rakibul Hussain was attacked in the Nagaon district by some miscreants on Thursday.

–IANS

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