Maha to start 5084 cr power distribution scheme for farmers

Maharashtra government on Tuesday approved a scheme to provide electricity connection through a High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) to farmers for their agriculture pumps.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Power Minister Chandrashekhhar Bawankule told reporters.

The scheme, estimated to cost Rs 5048 crore, will benefit around 2.24 lakh farmers who are awaiting new power connections, the minister said. “Two farmers will share a transformer through HVDS lines, to be provided to farmers during August 15 to March 31 next year,” Bawankule said.

At present, 10 to 15 farmers are provided electricity through 65 to 100 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) lines, the minister said. “In the present set-up, farmers get low voltage electricity and there are cases of power tripping due to defects in transformers,” he said.

“For Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, a budgetary provision of Rs 600 crore has already been made. State power distribution utility Mahavitaran will take a Rs 2500 crore loan (for the project) and the state government will stand guarantor,” he said.

Stating that Maharashtra is self-sufficient in electricity, Bawankule said, “We have achieved the demand of 23,100 MW and are able to provide uninterrupted power supply. There is no load-shedding.”