the goan I network
MARGAO
Camurlim village in Salcete taluka has become the first panchayat body to go solar, with the 20 kilowatt solar generating project commissioned at the panchayat premises on Saturday.
Dedicated to former Sarpanch Conceicao Dias, the solar project was inaugurated at the hands of South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha in the presence of sarpanch Basil Dias, former minister Alexio Sequeira, district Collector, South Ajit Roy and others.
Implemented under the MPLAD project of South Goa MP, at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lakh, the panchayat can sell the surplus power to the grid at the rate of Rs 3 per unit.
In his address, the South Goa MP said the solar power generation project is a step forward towards the protection of the environment, complimenting the panchayat body for its bold initiative in taking the project to its logical conclusion.
Saying that government is a continuous process, Sardinha said the project was approved by ex-MP Narendra Sawaikar, and is being inaugurated by him as the project is complete in all respects.
In his address, Sequiera said that solar power generation is the need of the hour when everyone talks about protection of the environment.
“We will save the environment as India generates power through coal which pollutes the environment,” he added.
Camurlim Sarpanch Basil Dias said that Camurlim is perhaps the first village which has gone solar with the commission of the project.
“The project can generate around 20 kilowatt power. We have entered into an agreement to sell the surplus power to the grid at the rate of Rs 3 per unit,” he added.
The sarpanch further informed that the panchayat’s website has been inaugurated on Saturday.
He said Camurlim villagers need not come to the panchayat with applications, saying they can get their work done from their homes.
