Govt to order inquiry into CSE allegations on Solar Mission

The government today said it would order an inquiry into the allegations of NGO, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), that Lanco Infratech flouted rules in bagging projects under the National Solar Mission.

"We will be ordering an enquiry into the issue. The inquiry will be conducted by an individual or a panel," Tarun Kapoor, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), told PTI.

"If any violations are found, strict action will be taken," Kapoor said.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission comes under the MNRE.

Earlier in the day, CSE alleged that Lanco Infratech flouted rules in bagging projects under the Mission, a charge refuted by the diversified group.

The Delhi-based NGO has alleged that Lanco created front companies and got about nine solar power projects having a total capacity of 235 MW.

Raising strong objections to the charges, Lanco in a statement said the allegations were not cross-checked with the company and were wrongly perceived.

The Mission aims to have 20,000 MW solar power capacity by 2022.