80-Badagabettu GP to be self reliant in power

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 10, 2016:  The 80-Badagabettu gram panchayat in Udupi, is all set to be self-reliant in power generation. The village is embarking upon a significant journey in the direction of power generation based on solar energy and making use of the renewable energy in all phases of administration.

The solar energy production by the gram panchayat is first of its kind in the district. The initiative was decided by the 24-member strength house last month and the work was undertaken immediately. The gram panchayat, with nearly population of 12,500, aims to ensure best possible facilities to the public. gram panchayat president Shantharam Shetty stated that the plan is being envisaged following constant disruption of power supply, which resulted in hordes of inconveniences while offering services to the public. Shetty said the gram panchayat receives electricity bill of Rs 2,000 every month. Hence it decided to invest on one-time expenditure.

Solar panels :  As many as 250 volt capacitated 20 solar panels have been put up on the roof of the gram panchayat building. The expenses incurred for the total solar equipment set up is around Rs six crore. No government subsidy amount has been spent on the project. The funds invested have been collected from the income of the panchayat and also some of the donors have come forward to help the initiative.

Shetty said initially the plan was to produce 10 kilo watt solar energy. However, it did not materialise as cement sheets of poor quality have been used for the panchayat building’s roof. Currently, the 20 solar panels would produce five mega watt solar power. The energy produced will be sufficient to run nine fans, three computers, two printers and six lights. The solar power generation will help the gram panchayat to perform better and offer hassle free service to the public, Shetty said. The work will be completed in another two days.

PDO Ramanand Puranik said there might be few problems during monsoon. However, there is a facility to automatically switch over to MESCOM power supply. He said intermittent power supply has often damaged the computers and the administrative works were delayed for days together. Hence, the gram panchayat decided to have the solar power supply unit at the premises.

The five mega watt power generated is sufficient to run the GP office. If additional power is generated in future, it would be given to MESCOM. He said plans are being chalked out to increase the capacity of solar power generation.

This requires slight modification in the building structure. The solar power will help reduce the electricity bills.