Bengaluru, 9 March

Karnataka Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju has instructed officials to finalise the implementation framework for floating solar power plants on lakes, based on a feasibility report from BHEL.

The directions were given during a review meeting attended by the Secretary of the Minor Irrigation Department, BK Pavitra, BESCOM Managing Directors Shivashankar, KREDL's KP Rudrappaiah, and senior officials.

A statement from the minister’s office said BHEL had been tasked with preparing a feasibility study to promote green energy and reduce electricity costs for lift irrigation projects.

After over six months of detailed study, BHEL proposed a pilot project at Somambudi Agrahara Lake in Kolar district, capable of generating around 100 MW of clean energy, boosting the state's renewable capacity.

Minister Boseraju highlighted that hundreds of lift irrigation schemes consume significant electricity, increasing departmental expenses. He stressed that adopting sustainable energy sources like floating solar plants is essential to lowering operational costs and meeting green energy goals.

The minister instructed officials to re-evaluate the report technically and prepare a detailed implementation plan, submitting final recommendations for project execution.