Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson chaired a review meeting on April 12 to assess the progress of the 25 MW Solar Power Project at Taru, which includes a 20 MW/50 MWh Battery Storage System under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).

The meeting, held at the Council Secretariat, was attended by Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk, Administrative Secretary PDD Vikram Singh Malik (IAS), DC/CEO LAHDC Leh Santosh Sukhadeve, Deputy General Manager (Projects) SECI, Chief Engineer Generation Leh, Xen PDD, and other concerned officials. SECI officials reported that the project contract has been awarded to M/s Prozeal Green Energy following the termination of the previous contract. Survey work is currently underway, and SECI confirmed efforts to complete the project ahead of schedule, despite the approved duration of 36 months.

The meeting also discussed recent developments, including the execution of the lease deed and the opening of a dedicated LAHDC Leh bank account for the project.

CEC Tashi Gyalson expressed concern over the delay in implementation, stating that the timeline mentioned in the original MoU had already lapsed. He warned that further delays could lead to the cancellation of the land allotment. In response, SECI requested an amendment to the MoU and assured that the project would now be executed in a timely manner. CEC Gyalson directed SECI officials to visit Leh as soon as possible to resolve pending ground-level issues.

The status of the 220 kV Phyang-Disket transmission line was also reviewed. Dr. Aparup Paul, GM RECPDCL, informed that site mobilization is expected within the next few days, with work set to begin by April 15. However, he mentioned that delays in cost escalation approval could impact timelines. The CEC assured full support from the Council and stated that the matter would be raised with the concerned ministry in the Government of India. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the extension of power supply from the Mini Hydro Project Chulunkha to Diskit and the completion of the 220 kV transmission line from Leh to Nubra.

The meeting also addressed CSR funding for LAHDC Leh through REC/RECPDCL and discussed the installation of rooftop solar systems for commercial consumers to promote sustainable energy adoption. A key issue raised was the operation and maintenance of decentralized off-grid solar power plants installed by LREDA in remote villages and hamlets. It was agreed that the PDD would pay for the energy generated from these plants to ensure their proper operation and maintenance.

Regarding the Mini Hydro Projects, it was noted that five out of six projects commissioned by LREDA are currently operational. However, the existing interim tariff of Rs. 2 per unit is insufficient to cover operation and maintenance costs. To address this, the meeting approved providing grant-in-aid support for these projects. A proposal by LREDA to set up a 1 MW solar project at its campus through self-investment was also discussed. This on-grid solar setup was approved by the LREDA governing body, and the related Power Purchase Agreement with PDD was also approved.

CEC Tashi Gyalson reiterated the Council’s commitment to expanding renewable energy infrastructure in the region and emphasized the importance of timely and efficient execution of all planned initiatives. He also directed that surveys be conducted in unelectrified areas such as Dipling and Zingchan to assess feasible solutions, either by extending grid lines or by establishing dedicated solar lines. Similar surveys have already been conducted in other unelectrified areas across the district to ensure reliable electricity access.

The meeting concluded with a renewed focus on accelerating renewable energy projects and ensuring equitable access to sustainable power across the region.