‘Solarise Dwarka’ project, launched recently by power minister Satyendra Kumar Jain, has left residents scrambling for answers. While brochures provided by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) at the launch provided a ready guide, confusion and questions abound.
Dr Arun Sundriyal, a resident of White Rose Apartments in Sector 13, said, “The society has been making efforts to instal a rooftop solar system for some time, but we are unclear on several fronts. Too many agencies — MNRE (Ministry of New & Renewable Energy), State government, nodal agencies, discoms — are involved in it. As consumers we are confused about the role and jurisdiction of these agencies. Can any document be published to clarify these point.”
Reading from the BSES brochure, he listed out his concerns. “As per the brochure, only 26 vendors can instal the plants, however, as per the MNRE website, more than 200 vendors are on the list. Will BRPL keep a check that these vendors? As per MNRE notice on December 18, MNRE will give a capital subsidy of 30 per cent for plants up to 5 kW capacity, but in Dwarka, all CGHS will have a capacity of more than 5 kW — so how does Dwarka gain as India’s first solar city?”
Like him, many others are calling up the helpline provided in the brochure to clarify doubts.
Joint secretary of Harsukh Apartments, Ravi Jaitely, complained, “Only generic questions have been answered in the brochure. What is in it for residents — the information must focus on that for maximum participation.”
RWA vice-president, Sector 16B, Ramesh Mumukshu, added, “The mission is welcome step, but it was not clear how the whole thing will be implemented in Dwarka. They emphasised societies with single metres. Also, DDA pockets are not included in this early phase.”
He further added, “For maintenance, a minimum honorarium should be paid to people who will look after the systems. Day-to-day monitoring should be encouraged.”
RWA president of Vinayak Apartments, Sector 10, Rakesh Kalsi, said, “The project is certainly beneficial, but how it is to work practically is not clear. Also, can individual consumers apply for this? Initial cost amounts to Rs 50,000 for 1kW with a 30 per cent subsidy — will individual installations have the same benefits? Also if managing committee has all the powers in CGHS, how are the RWAs expected to play a part in this project.”
President of Dwarka Forum, Rejimon CK, said, “It’s a welcome step, however lacks in clear measurable benefits for investments made by the CGHS management. What will be the annual returns? What will the maintenance cost amount to? Clarification is missing on several points. Moreover, several CGHS were not even invited.”
