Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has emphasised the need for both speed and quality in the state’s solar energy projects.
Speaking during a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, Fadnavis highlighted the pivotal role that solar energy will play in strengthening the agriculture, power generation, industry, and services sectors in Maharashtra.
The Chief Minister outlined that the state’s ultimate goal is to achieve self-sufficiency in the energy sector. In order to realise this, Fadnavis stressed the necessity of improving the efficiency and performance of all electricity-related companies in Maharashtra.
He further proposed the possibility of enhancing public participation in these companies by considering their listing in the stock market in the future. This initiative, according to Fadnavis, would help increase transparency and accountability within these companies while also ensuring their financial growth.
Fadnavis also took the opportunity to direct officials to speed up the completion of solar energy projects. While pushing for quicker implementation, he emphasised that quality should not be compromised in the process.
He noted that improving the infrastructure and performance of companies under the energy department is crucial in meeting the growing demand for energy across Maharashtra. This approach is in line with the state's long-term vision of making the energy sector more sustainable and self-reliant.
The meeting also focused on resolving public complaints regarding the functioning of energy companies. Fadnavis instructed officials to strengthen mechanisms at both the district and divisional levels to ensure complaints are addressed efficiently and within a specific timeframe.
The Chief Minister highlighted that a responsive and proactive approach to resolving issues would be essential in maintaining public trust and satisfaction.
In attendance at the meeting were several key officials, including Meghna Bordikar, the Minister of State for Energy, and Shrikar Pardeshi, the Secretary to the Chief Minister.
Other notable attendees included Abha Shukla, the Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, as well as the Directors Lokesh Chandra, Radhakrishnan B, Anudeep Dighe, and independent directors Vishwas Pathak and Neeta Kelkar.
While the Maharashtra government is making strides in expanding its solar energy capacity, there are environmental challenges associated with the increased use of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently sought responses from the Union of India and other concerned parties regarding the disposal and recycling of solar panels.
A letter petition has been filed, pointing out the environmental risks associated with the improper disposal of these panels. As solar energy becomes more prevalent, especially in rural areas, the safe disposal of PV solar panels is becoming a growing concern.
The petition raised by the NGT underscores the need for an organised system to ensure that old or damaged solar panels are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Without such a system, the accumulation of discarded panels could lead to significant environmental hazards, particularly as these panels contain materials that could potentially be harmful if not recycled properly.
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