RRECL to spend 8 crore for drinking water supply in 200 panchayats

The Board of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited on Thursday approved proposal for solarisation of  standalone mini drinking water supply system at 200 villages in Rajasthan. The decision is in accordance with the Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy, 2019 and Rajasthan’s 2020-21 Budget announcement stating RREC to convert 200 water supply schemes for operating on solar energy on pilot basis. The locations have been identified  from a list of 248 areas specified by the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) and the pilot project is estimated to cost Rs 8 crore approximately.

“The pilot project, will reduce dependence of rural areas. They will be relieved of energy cost for drinking water and worries of electricity in power outages. Solarisation of water pumps will also help the government in saving electricity, money and environment,” Dr Subodh Agarwal (IAS), CMD RRECL. 

Rajasthan is emerging as a solar and renewable energy hub under the leadership of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The Solar Energy Policy, 2019 has facilitated the process for development of centralized and decentralized solar units. RRECL as a State Nodal Agency has been dedicated in implementing the policy provisions and state government’s vision. Standalone solarized mini drinking water system will be especially helpful to the rural/remote areas that do not have enough monetary provisions to bear the energy cost of grid electricity.

The  111^th Board meeting of RRECL was held on Thursday under chairmanship of CMD RRECL Dr. Subodh Agarwal (IAS). RRECL has earned net profit of Rs. 23.36 Crore during 2019-20.  The board of RRECL has also approved to pay the state government a dividend of Rs 1.29 crore @10 percent of its paid up capital to state exchequer. Meanwhile, RREC has also been inspiring farmers towards use of solar pumps and solar energy farming, while also attracting major investments for ultra-mega solar power parks.