(a) whether the Government has any proposal for promoting solar projects for historical monument sites;
(b) if so, the details thereof including Maharashtra, State-wise; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR POWER, COAL & NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a),(b)&(c): The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Special Area Demonstration Projects (SADP) Scheme for demonstration of Renewable Energy (RE) systems and devices at places of National and International importance including historical monuments in the country. Solar projects have so far been installed at historical monuments viz. Safdarjung Tomb and Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan and Hampi in Karnataka. Three solar projects, namely Pandu Lena caves in Nasik, Bibi ka Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort in Aurangabad were also sanctioned in the state of Maharashtra, which could not be implemented due to non-clearance of the sites by Archaeological Survey of India. A budget provision of Rs. 45.00 crore has been made for SADP Scheme during the 12th Plan period.