The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has given the technical approval to avail a loan of ₹983 crore from Japan International Cooperation Agency to construct a solar power plant in the Union Territory, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy said here on Friday
Addressing a gathering after hoisting the tricolour at Gandhi Thidal on the occasion of Puducherry Liberation Day celebrations, the Chief Minister said JERC had also given in-principle approval for projects to the tune of ₹550 crore to augment the power infrastructure in UT. Power development projects will be taken up during 2021-22, he said.
Stating the government’s commitment to improve civic infrastructure, the Chief Minister said various projects were also planned to tap the territory’s tourism potential.
The Union Territory has witnessed 8% tourism growth so far this year. Various tourism development projects worth around ₹181 crore was at different stages of implementation, the Chief Minister said.
The administration had also approached the Centre for a financial assistance of ₹114.50 crore for taking up tourism infrastructure projects, Mr. Narayanasamy said. On the health sector, he said, the government had submitted a detailed project report to the Centre for establishing a 50-bed AYUSH hospital at Karaikal. The Chief Minister also inspected a guard of honour presented by the territorial police. An impressive march past by the police, India Reserve Battalion, fire service and school students added fervour to the celebrations. Cultural programmes also formed part of the celebrations.
It was on November 1 that the then French establishments of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam merged de facto with the Indian union bidding farewell to the French regime.
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) V. Vaithilingam, Minister for Public Works A. Namassivayam, Minister for Social Welfare M. Kandasamy also attended the celebrations.
