Durgadwani project: Centre to fund 90% cost

The chief minister said this at a seminar on renewable energy organised by the West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Authority (WBREDA) here today. He said Pachauri has agreed to help the state government in this regard.

Speaking at the seminar, Bhattacharjee said the Centre has approved a tidal-energy project that seeks to harness the energy from the tidal waves at Durgadwani near the Sunderbans. The Centre will provide ninety per cent finances of the Rs 50 crore project, which will begin in the next two months, and the state government will contribute the remaining 10 per cent, the chief minister added.

Stressing on the need for harnessing energy from alternative sources, the chief minister said about 96 per cent of the energy used in the state comes from thermal power, adding, "We must come up with an alternative strategy on energy before it is too late."

He also spoke about carrying out Jatropha— source of bio-fuel— plantation in some parts of the state and utilising wind power. Highlighting the expertise of countries like the Netherlands and Spain in harnessing power from the wind, Bhattacharjee said that the Dutch envoy wants to set up a research centre in the state.

A private company, Suzlon Energy Limited, has also announced its plan to invest Rs 300 crore in the development of a Wind Farm near Digha in East Midnapore.

Describing the global warming as a real threat, the chief minister urged economists and politicians to discuss the issue. He said that other modes of transport such as elevated train services and a Light Railway Transit System (LRTS) must be explored for the city and added that his government is exploring the options for funding the LRTS project. V Subramaniam, secretary of New and Renewable Energy Department said universities should do more research on the use of alternative sources of energy.