Welcome to solar powered divisional sports complex

 

 

THE COMPLEX MAY also TURN INTO POWER GENERATION UNIT

 

By Paritosh Pramanik

IN NEXT few days the Divisional Sports Complex situated at Mankapur would run on solar power.
The installation of solar panels and other work of electrification is nearing completion and it can be operational once the meters are connected.
Last year, Maharashtra Sports Minister Sunil Kedar had ordered to convert the conventional energy-run sports complex premises to solar energy.
The solar panel will generate electricity of 160 KVA which is sufficient to run the administrative building and the street lights inside the sports complex.
The installation work is being done through Maharshtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) with an estimated cost of Rs
80 lakh.
Though it won’t generate energy enough for any major competition which will be hosted inside the indoor hall, the solar energy will definitely reduce the financial burden incurred by electricity generated from conventional energy.
If sources are to be believed the monthly electricity bill of sports complex comes around Rs three lakh.
“This can be reduced and can save around Rs 36 lakh per year,” said sources.
“The solar panels are erected on the hostel building and at other places inside the premises. It has happened only because of Maharashtra Sports Minister Sunil Kedar. He has taken special interest in this project and wanted the work to be done at the earliest,” sources added.
Whatever electricity will be generated will be used for sports complex purpose. The excess electricity, if generated will be transferred to the State electricity distribution department (grid). In this way the complex can become electricity generation unit also.
‘Last year, ‘The Hitavada’ has published news of Minister Kedar taking the decision to convert the stadium into solar powered. It is heartening to see that the work is nearing completion in span of just 14 months.
In another positive development, the Divisional Sports Complex has acquired a two-acre land which was with the health department in the same premises. The same land can now be utilised for other sports
activities.
Similarly, a 24.71 HA land was reserved for theatre, auditorium and roads of 18m and 24m. These are also transferred to the Divisional Sports Complex, it has been learnt.
‘The Hitavada’ tried to contact Kedar but calls to him went unanswered.