Kochi: The district administration which initiated a mega solar power project to meet the energy requirement of the civil station complex, has failed in implementing it.
Solar panels were erected on the roof of the civil station with an objective of generating100 kilowatt power, but the system is yet to be operational.
Former district collector P.I Sheikh Pareeth had initiated the project, which was undertaken with the support of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). District Nirmithi Kendra is the nodal agency for the project.
The plan was to save considerable amount spent on power bill at the civil station, which houses 72 government offices. It was in early 2013 that the project was proposed at an estimate cost of Rs 1.5crore.
A Kolkata based private firm won the contract after tenders were sought. However, more than a year later, the solar power is yet to be generated.
Meanwhile, a senior officer of Nirmithi Kendra told this newspaper that the project would be partially commissioned by this month end.
“The agency has assured that the system would be ready within 10 days. Delay in getting clearance from various agencies including the Department of Electrical Inspectorate to connect with the power grid delayed the project,” he added.
There were problems with the funding as well. Funds were not received in time from the sponsors," the officer said.
Initially, only 60 kilowatt power will be generated and the project will be fully commissioned later, he added.
