THIS is with reference to the report `Jury still out on mega-solarisation of tube wells` (Oct 28). According to PC-1, the cost of the project is Rs370 billion.
The cost of conversion of a 20 horsepower diesel engine tube well to solar-powered tube well is Rs2.6 million.
Out of Rs2.6 million, the farmers have to pay 33 per cent of the total amount.
The report has cited many examples from experts who talked about lack of research done on the matter, including water level depletion, e conomics, etc.
A water management engineer at the Federal Water Management Cell, who is the chief architect of the project, has been quoted as saying that the solar pump operation would be limited to six hours per day only. This will be done to overcome the concerns raised by other water specialists.
How about exporting power to the national grid in the remaining six hours of sunshine? It may ease the burden on the government and load on electrical power generation mechanism at a nominal cost.
