The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has suspended two more engineers in connection with suspected irregularities in granting approvals worth several crores for wind and solar projects. Superintendent engineer RG Prasad and executive engineer K Radhakrishnan, both from the non-conventional energy sources (NCES) wing of the Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation, have been placed under suspension.
Office Closure and Allegations
The suspension follows the recent closure of their office in Udumalpet. Electricity Minister R Nirmalkumar stated on Monday that the office was misused by brokers to secure approvals for wind and solar projects. He said, “Only the signatures were by officers, the rest was all taken care of by brokers. Hereafter, all approvals will be done at the headquarters.”
Previous Suspensions
The board had already suspended a chief engineer of the NCES wing and a chief financial controller for their alleged roles in irregularities related to granting approvals for solar and wind projects. The latest suspensions indicate a widening investigation into the matter.
The TNEB is taking stringent action to ensure transparency in the approval process for renewable energy projects, which are crucial for the state’s green energy targets. Further inquiries are ongoing to identify any other officials involved.
