Wind Power drips in Rajasthan

Jaisalmer, June 5 (UNI) Local politics, coupled with the activities of the land mafia and anti social elements, has posed a big question mark on the prospects of the ambitious Rs 2000 crore wind energy projects in the state with companies like Enercon planning to shift bases from Rajasthan.

After Gujarat and Karnataka, Rajasthan is considered the third state with large potential for harnessing wind energy. The government has also proposed to set up a Wind Energy Park to tap non-conventional energy source with many reputed companies coming forward to set up their shops in the desert state.

According to official sources, Rajasthan produces about 450 MW of power from around 700 wind mills installed in Jaisalmer district of which Enercon produces 223 MW, Suzlon 171 and the state govt undertaking Akshaya Urga 37 MW of power, which is being distributed through the Northern Grid. Considering the immense prospects of this sector cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, Bollywood heart-throb Aishwarya Rai were among the investors who made sizable investment in this sector in the state.

According to officials of the companies engaged in power production, the installation of the wind mills has mainly confined to the hills of Amar Sagar and Bada Bagh areas due to local resistance.

The companies efforts to expand functional areas to the Narsinghon ki Dhani, Sadia, Uguwa has been faced hurdles put up by locals and anti social elements.

Company officials, on condition of anonymity confess, that due to local politics and the presure from land mafia, they could install just 100 wind mills for the proposed generation of 90 MW of power in the last one year.

Last week, some anti social elements had ransacked the office of Enercon and kidnapped a technician who was later released after four days.

The villagers also stopped the operation of a 200 MW Grid Sub Station (GSS) which incurred a loss of Rs 30 lakh to the company.

Enercon Business Development and Operations Manager Rajendra Vyas said, ''Due to lack of investment climate in the state, the company is planning to divert its investment plans to Gujarat''.

The government has allotted land for the production of 90 MW of power, but due to local resistance, it could not install a single wind mill last year, he said adding that the police promptly registered their complaints, but due to the influence of local politicians the criminals came out the very next day with increased vigour.

District Collector Vinod Pandya said the government has allotted land to the companies for installing wind power units and if anyone is found creating trouble, it will be dealt sternly. He said the companies should also take the local into confidence so that the project goes on smoothly.

UNI