Mangaluru: MLA JR Lobo inaugurated a 25KWp solar panel over the rooftop of Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) office and MLC Ivan D’Souza inaugurated the newly constructed conference hall by cutting the ribbon at the MUDA office in Urwa here, on May 7.
The formal inaugural function was held in the conference hall, built at a cost of Rs 12.5 lakh. The solar panels were installed by Orb Energy at a cost of Rs 27.2 lakh. Commissioner of MUDA, Mohammed Nazeer welcomed the gathering and said that the solar panels had already generated 1100 units of power from the date of installation and the output was such that the investment would turn profitable in about 7-8 years. “With this solar rooftop installation, MUDA office will be a role model to other buildings in the district,” he added.
MLA JR Lobo said, “MCC will also install these panels soon and generate its own power. Our district has about 8-9 months of direct exposure to the sun, so it is very feasible to make this district a solar hub. With MUDA installing the panels, others will also be inspired and will follow suit. We can also be a model for the entire nation.” Speaking about the conference hall, he said, “This hall is designed with a good ambiance and will aid the flow of new ideas.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza said, “Installation of solar rooftops is my pet project and the government offices have started taking the initiative on this. 11 government offices are already equipped with solar rooftops and 58 more will be installing them. In the entire state, Dakshina Kannada is ranked second, next only to Bengaluru, in solar power generation.”
He further said, “I have taken the initiative of installing 3KWp solar panels over 50 government and aided schools. 11 police stations also have installed these panels. Solar panels that are good enough to light up two bulbs, a fan and a mobile charger have been installed at the homes of 40 endosulfan victims. Further, Nitte University and Fr Mullers Institutions have promised to be fully reliant on solar power.”
“MCC and MUDA should work together towards developing the district,” he added. Since Dakshina Kannada was enduring shortage of water, Ivan congratulated the citizens for using drinking water judiciously.
MCC Mayor Harinath said, “The work done by MLC Ivan on solar power generation is turning into a reality. Due to power cuts, the pumps passing sewage fail and due to this, we have leakage of sewage from manholes. If we derive power from solar panels to run these pumps, then this problem can be solved. We can also use solar lamps as street lights and save power.”
MUDA Chairman, Ibrahim Kodijal said, “Government work is God’s work and to make it a success, all officials should work together. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been a successful leader and delivered his promises to the public.”
He further said, “We are facing severe shortage of power and water supply. With solar panels, we can now generate our own power but the water problem has brought us to our knees. We have done everything possible to address this issue. MLA JR Lobo has also sought divine intervention.”
Deputy Commissioner AB Ibrahim said, “This is the best system and we need to start tapping renewable energy from now. We have to change with technology and adapt to it at every level. There is also a need to spread awareness among the public.”
MLA Mohiuddin Bava said, “When there is a shortage of water supply, even the lakes and rivers will dry up. So we need to look for alternatives in power generation and solar power is one of the best sources of power generation.”
