Centre awaiting state nod to set up UMPP in Sambhar: Goyal

Proposed project of 4,000 MW capacity in Sambhar area near salt lake was announced last year by former UPA govt

Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal today said the Centre is waiting for the state government's clearance for setting up the proposed ultra mega solar power project in Sambhar near Jaipur.

The Centre is ready to implement the project in Sambhar and is waiting for clearance from the state government, Goyal told reporters through video conferencing.

"We are ready to implement the project as soon as possible if the state government gives the clearance. We are also ready for setting up project elsewhere to generate solar energy on a large scale if the state government provides us land," he said.

The proposed project of 4,000 MW capacity in Sambhar area near salt lake was announced last year by former UPA government.

The state government has expressed ecological and environmental concerns about the project in that area which is the prime site for migratory birds and may cast adverse impact on the ecology.

Goyal stressed upon the problem of power theft in the state and said that he has discussed the issues in detail with Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje and her team.

"Power theft is tremendous in Rajasthan. It caused huge losses to discoms, almost Rs 55,000 crore from 2008-2013. I have discussed the issues which the CM and we are working out on plans to address the issue," he said.

The minister said that the government is serious for providing round-the-clock electricity in the state and there are some ways to make power available to remotest areas.

"Local needs can be fulfilled by generating and transmitting wind or solar power to remote villages and hamlets. There are several things and we are working on it," he added.