Govt considering installing floating solar panels in lakes to reduce electricity dependency:Minister
Bengaluru, July 20: Karnataka Minor Irrigation Minister N S Bose Raju on Thursday said his department is exploring the possibility of installing floating solar panels in lakes in order to reduce dependency on electricity.
He said there are about 483 lift irrigation projects coming under the Minor Irrigation Department.
''We are paying electricity charges to the tune of Rs 10 crore to Rs 12 crore per month. With a view to reducing the dependency on energy and save this amount, we are exploring the possibility of installing floating solar panels in all the lakes,'' Raju said.
Speaking to reporters he said the thought process is already on to ensure overall development of the department including increasing groundwater recharge, conservation of tanks and lakes, and preventing their encroachment.
''We are maintaining a total of 483 lift irrigation projects. We are finding out ways and means to reduce electricity dependency. Discussions are taking place in that direction,'' he added.
The minister also said that a decision has been taken to undertake a survey of all lakes in the state in order to remove encroachments and conserve the water bodies. ''A direction to this effect has been given to all the Deputy Commissioners.'' ''We will also take steps to recharge groundwater in K C Valley and H N Valley lift irrigation projects in the districts of Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts,'' he added.
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Stalin claims DMK secured 1.54 crore votes
Chennai (PTI): DMK president M K Stalin on Tuesday, in a veiled reference to the TVK, claimed that the party that won additional constituencies has gained only 17.43 lakh more votes than the DMK.
He was referring to the April 23 Assembly polls where the DMK and its allies secured 74 seats, with the Dravidian party netting 59 constituencies.
In a statement, Stalin said, "the percentage difference in votes between us and them is just 3.52 per cent," in an apparent reference to the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kahzagam emerged victorious in the polls, the results of which were announced on Monday.
Claiming that the DMK alliance has secured 1.54 crore votes, Stalin said, "I consider each and every one of your votes as an invaluable token of trust".
Stating that DMK has been in power several times, he said "there is no victory we have not seen and there is no defeat we have not faced".
"Whether in victory or defeat, those who regard them equally and continue their journey toward their ideals are the comrades of the party", he said adding "you are the lifeblood and roots of the movement".
"The harvest of 1.54 crore votes is the fruit of your commitment", he said.
"What return can I offer for your hard work? With the feeling of being the chief worker, we will continue our journey," the DMK chief added.
Stalin said "if we are the ruling party, we will formulate schemes for the people. If we are the opposition party, we will fight for the people's demands. In that regard, now as a strong opposition party, we will continue to work for the people".
Asserting that the DMK will continue the journey of taking forward the policies of the century-old great Dravidian movement, protecting race, language, and nation, the DMK leader said "in our journey, I will not leave anyone behind. We will win again".
