Lok Sabha Question No. 5150 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-02
Subject: Solar Power in Ladakh
Ministry: NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Asked by: Shri Raja Ram Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5150

ANSWERED ON 02/04/2025

## SOLAR POWER IN LADAKH

## 5150. SHRI RAJA RAM SINGH

Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of companies investing in solar power in Ladakh;
- (b) the details of the energy-related investments that are currently in the pipeline in Ladakh, project-wise;
- (c) the measures taken to address the concerns of the local community and environmentalists regarding investments in the sensitive ecology of Ladakh; and
- (d) the steps taken to ensure that the investments are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF  STATE  FOR NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND POWER

## (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a) & (b) Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) is implementing a grid-connected solar PV power project of capacity 25 MWac/50 MWdc with battery storage of 40 MWh at Taru, Leh, in Union Territory of Ladakh. The EPC contract for this project has been awarded to M/s Prozeal Green Energy Private Limited.

Hybrid renewable energy (RE) park of total 13 GW capacity is envisaged across Pang, Debring and Kharnak areas of Union Territory of Ladakh and includes solar, wind and battery energy storage system. As of now, no companies have been selected for setting up renewable power projects in the aforesaid RE park.

Ministry is implementing Inter State Transmission System in GEC-II for evacuation of 13 GW RE Projects in Ladakh with a total project cost of Rs. 20,773.70 crore and providing central financial assistance of 40% of DPR cost or awarded cost, whichever is lower. The scheme is implemented by PowerGrid Corporation of India Limited.

Zunkul Small Hydro Power project of 2.5 MW and Bogdang Small Hydro Power project of 0.80 MW are under construction in Ladakh.

(c)  &  (d)  The  solar  photo-voltaic  power  projects  are  not  covered  under  the  ambit  of environment  Impact  Assessment  (EIA)  Notification  2006  and  no  environment  clearance  is required for such projects under the provisions thereof.  Further, to manage e-waste generated after the use of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, effective from 1st April, 2023. Additionally, the recycling of solar photo-voltaic modules or panels or cells are mandated  for  recovery  of  material  as  laid  down  by  the  Central  Pollution  Control  Board (CPCB).

The projects mentioned in reply to (a) and (b) above promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the environmental impact.  Furthermore,  the  projects  are  expected  to  benefit  the  local  community  by  creating employment opportunities, boosting small-scale businesses and enhancing the socio-economic conditions of the region. Interlinking works like Road/bridge infrastructure strengthening will facilitate  movement  of  heavy  equipment  and  shall  lead  to  improved  road  access  for  local residents. The optimized electricity supply will improve energy reliability, contributing to the overall  development  and  sustainability  of  the  area.  Additionally,  SECI  has  undertaken Corporate  Social  Responsibility  (CSR)  activities,  including  the  digitalization  of  education system,  training  of  teachers,  Environment  Sustainability,  and  supporting  medical  facilities, further demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and community welfare.

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