G.O.Ms.No.6, Western Ghats Development Programme, Annual Plan 2014-2015, Renewable Energy Sector

What the document does

G.O.Ms.No.6 of the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (TC-I) Department, dated 21 January 2015, approves expenditure of Rs.143.20 lakhs for renewable energy schemes under the Western Ghats Development Programme. The approval followed proposals from the Tamil Nadu Watershed Development Agency and approval of the amount by the Union Planning Commission, Government of India.

The document describes the programme as being for 2014-2015. One paragraph states that the sanctioned schemes are to be implemented during 2013-2014, while other parts refer to 2014-2015 and require completion within that financial year.

Areas and works covered

The sanctioned programme covers:

• Coimbatore
• Tiruppur
• Dindigul
• Theni
• Madurai
• Virudhunagar
• Tirunelveli
• Kanyakumari

Annexure I includes works such as standalone solar street lights in hilly or remote areas, training youth in solar street lights, lanterns and home lighting systems, supply of training kits, and repair and maintenance of existing solar lights. The supplied annexure identifies particular villages, habitations, wards, taluks and watershed areas for some works.

Implementation and site selection

The Tamil Nadu Watershed Development Agency is directed to implement the renewable energy schemes and complete the works within the financial year. The Director of Agriculture must coordinate implementation in Tiruppur with the District Rural Development Agency. In Kanyakumari, the District Collector and District Rural Development Agency must coordinate with the Tamil Nadu Watershed Development Agency.

Key requirements include:

• District Collectors must be consulted when installation sites are selected.
• Site selection dependent on public participation should include photographic evidence and supporting remote sensing maps in the project report.
• Detailed estimates and a project report must be available before money is disbursed.
• Relevant project reports should cover watershed features, land use, likely impacts, user needs and beneficiary identification.
• Local bodies must receive instructions for proper maintenance of installed devices.
• Completion reports must include photographs, use and impact information, beneficiary feedback and financial details.

Relevance to landowners and buyers

G.O.Ms.No.6 does not state that it changes land ownership, title or land classification. It may be relevant where a listed renewable energy device is proposed on or near a site, because the document requires consultation with District Collectors, public participation in relevant site selection, and consideration of land use and likely impacts in project reports.