In a significant push towards sustainable energy and financial independence for its urban local bodies, the Madhya Pradesh government has unveiled plans for a major floating solar power project. The announcement was made by the state's Minister for Urban Administration, Kailash Vijayvargiya, during a media briefing in Bhopal.
Major Boost for Renewable Energy
Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya revealed on Thursday that the state is planning to establish a 220 MW floating solar power plant. The primary objective of this ambitious project is to substantially reduce the soaring energy bills of urban civic bodies across Madhya Pradesh, thereby moving them towards greater financial self-sufficiency. The minister was highlighting the achievements of his department as the Mohan Yadav-led state government completed two years in office.
Project Location and Broader Vision
The large-scale renewable energy facility will be set up at Birsinghpur Pali in the Shahdol district. This strategic move is part of a larger development framework for the state. Vijayvargiya emphasized that Madhya Pradesh is actively developing the Indore and Bhopal metropolitan regions into larger economic growth hubs. This development is being pursued with a focus on planned and sustainable growth to meet future challenges.
Preparing for an Urban Future
The minister cited alerts from the Union government indicating that by 2047, more than 50% of India's total population will reside in urban areas. This demographic shift underscores the urgency of creating robust, self-reliant, and sustainable urban infrastructure. When questioned about the visibility of the Central government's Smart City Project in the state, Vijayvargiya offered a measured response, stating, "Some works are visible, and some are not."
The 220 MW floating solar plant represents a concrete step towards addressing the dual challenges of rising energy costs and environmental sustainability for Madhya Pradesh's growing urban centers.
