## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization for Electric Lines - Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd.
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a government order authorizing Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. to lay electric lines for a 300MW solar power plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The order, issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, grants Azure Power the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 for the purpose of establishing these lines. Key findings include the imposition of specific conditions related to obtaining consent from relevant authorities, adherence to regulations, electrical inspection, and compliance with Supreme Court directives concerning the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). This authorization is valid for 25 years and mandates Azure Power to adhere to various regulatory and environmental safeguards.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an overview and analysis of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) order published on May 18, 2022, regarding the authorization for Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. to lay electric lines for their 300MW solar power plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a new policy authorization.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to authorize Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. to lay electric lines for their 300MW solar power plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan, by granting them the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. This facilitates the construction and operation of the transmission scheme Connectivity System to Ms. Azure Power India Private Limited for 300MW Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan
**4. Background and Rationale:**
As a new policy authorization, the text indicates that Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. applied for authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, for laying electric lines. The likely issue this policy addresses is enabling Azure Power to establish the necessary transmission infrastructure for its solar power plant project, facilitating the connection and distribution of the generated electricity. The policy ensures a legal framework for the installation of these lines. Prior approval under section 681 of the Electricity Act, 2003 was previously granted to Ms Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. for the transmission scheme.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This is a new policy authorization, therefore the following constitutes key provisions:
* **Authorization Grant:** Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. is granted the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 for laying electric lines.
* **Scope:** The authorization covers the "transmission scheme Connectivity System to Ms. Azure Power India Private Limited for 300MW Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan." specifically the "Azure Bikaner 300MW Plant Common Pooling Point of both AzureBikaner 2x300MW Plant 400 KV SC line."
* **Location:** The transmission lines will pass through specific villages, talukas, and districts in Rajasthan, including Daudsar, Lalsar, Jagdev Wala, and Jamsar, within the Bikaner district.
* **Duration:** The approval is granted for 25 years.
* **Conditions:** The authorization is subject to several terms and conditions, including:
* Obtaining consent from concerned authorities (local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, etc.).
* Following regulations and codes regarding transmission, operation and maintenance (O&M), and open access under the Electricity Act, 2003.
* Operating the lines after approval from the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government.
* Compliance with the Electricity Act, 2003, and related rules.
* Submitting necessary clearances from authorities like Civil Aviation and Defence at the time of electrical inspection.
* Compliance with Supreme Court directives regarding the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), including undergrounding lines or fixing bird diverters in GIB potential zones.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the text, the direct target audience and stakeholders include:
* Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd.: The primary beneficiary and responsible party for implementing the authorization.
* Central Electricity Authority (CEA): The granting authority and regulator.
* Local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways: Entities whose consent is required.
* Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government: Responsible for inspecting and approving the lines.
* Civil Aviation and Defence authorities: Agencies from which clearances are required.
* Environment and wildlife authorities and advocacy groups: Due to the GIB-related conditions.
* Residents of the villages, talukas, and districts through which the lines will pass.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is responsible for granting the authorization and overseeing compliance. Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. is responsible for implementation.
* **Timelines/Procedures:**
* The authorization is valid for 25 years.
* Azure Power must seek consent from relevant authorities before erecting the lines.
* The lines must be operated after approval from the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector.
* Clearances from Civil Aviation and Defence are required at the time of electrical inspection.
* Compliance with Supreme Court directives on GIB protection is required.
* The Applicant must follow regulations/codes of the Appropriate Commission regarding transmission, OM, open access, etc., framed under Electricity Act, 2003.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcomes of this authorization are:
* Facilitating the establishment of transmission infrastructure for Azure Power's 300MW solar power plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan.
* Enabling the efficient transmission of electricity generated by the solar plant.
* Promoting renewable energy development in the region.
* Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and environmental safeguards.
* Protecting the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) by requiring mitigation measures in potential GIB zones.
**9. Conclusion:**
The CEA order authorizes Ms. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. to lay electric lines for their 300MW solar power plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan, subject to various conditions. This authorization is a crucial step in enabling the development of renewable energy infrastructure and contributes to the government's goals of promoting solar power generation. The inclusion of conditions related to regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and Supreme Court directives ensures that the project is implemented responsibly and sustainably.
Key Entities Referenced
Electricity Act, 2003: An act of the Indian Parliament relating to the electricity sector.
Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd.: Applicant company seeking authorization for laying electric lines.
Bikaner, Rajasthan: Location of the 300MW Solar Power Plant for which electric lines are being laid.
Ministry of Power: The Indian government ministry responsible for electricity.
Central Electricity Authority: Authority granting powers for laying electric lines under the Electricity Act, 2003.
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: An act related to telegraph lines and posts.
Azure Bikaner 300MW Plant Common Pooling Point: Start point of overhead electricity line.
AzureBikaner 2x300MW Plant 400 KV SC line: End point of overhead electricity line.
The Times of India: Local newspaper where notice for transmission scheme was published.
Dainik Bhaskar: Local newspaper where notice for transmission scheme was published.
Rashtradoot Jalte Deep: Local newspaper where notice for transmission scheme was published.
Supreme Court: India's highest judicial body issuing orders related to the Great Indian Bustard case.
Great Indian Bustard: Endangered bird species whose habitat is affected by transmission lines.
GIB potential zone: Area where Great Indian Bustard is found
GIB priority zone: Area where Great Indian Bustard is found
New Delhi: Location of Central Electricity Authority.
रजजस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
xxxGIDHxxx
सी.जी.-डी.एलxx.x-GअID.-E1x9x0x 52022-235847
CG-DL-E-19052022-235847
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 262] नई ददल्ली, बुधिार, मई 18, 2022/ििै ाख 28, 1944
No. 262] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022/VAISAKHA 28, 1944
केंद्रीय जिद्यतु प्राजधकरण
आदेि
नई ददल्ली, 18 मई, 2022
फा. स.ं CEA-PS-13-23(13)/4/2022-PSPM Division.—जबदक मैससस एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड,
जजसका पंजीकृत कायासलय तीसरी मंजजल, एसेट नंबर 301-304 और 307 िल्ड स माकस 3 एयरोजसटी, नई ददल्ली-
110037 ह,ै न े पारेषण योजना “मैससस एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड के 300 मेगािाट सोलर पॉिर पलांट,
बीकानेर, राजस्ट्थान के जलए कनेजटटजिटी जसस्ट्टम” के तहत जबजली की तारें जबछान े के जलए जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की
धारा 164 के अतं गतस प्राजधकृत करने हते ुआिेदन दकया ह।ै
और जबदक, के.जि.प्रा., जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार ने अपने पत्र सं. I/11184/2020 ददनांक 02.09.2020
के द्वारा पारेषण योजना “मैससस एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिटे जलजमटेड के 300 मेगािाट सोलर पॉिर पलांट, बीकानेर,
राजस्ट्थान के जलए कनेजटटजिटी जसस्ट्टम” के जलए मैससस एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को जिद्युत अजधजनयम की
धारा 68(1) के अंतगसत पूिस अनमु ोदन प्रदान दकया था।
मैससस एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड न े ददनांक 10.09.2020 (द टाइम्स फफ इंजडया, दैजनक भास्ट्कर,
राष्ट्रदतू और जलत ेदीप) के स्ट्थानीय अखबारों तथा भारत का राजपत्र साप्ताजहक ददनांक अटटूबर 10 - अटटूबर 16, 2020
को, प्रकाजित दकया गया था । जजसमें पारेषण योजना के जलए प्रस्ट्ताजित पारेषण मागस पर प्रकािन की तारीख से 60 ददनों
के भीतर आम जनता की टटपपजणयों / अभ्यािेदन की मांग करते हुए नोटटस प्रकाजित दकया था । इसके पश्चात, मैससस
एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड ने 21.02.2022 ददनांदकत एक हलफनामा प्रस्ट्तुत दकया, जजसमें घोषणा की गई दक
समाचार पत्रों / भारत का राजपत्र में उपरोक्त पारेषण योजना के जलए सािसजजनक सूचना के प्रकािन के 60 ददनों के भीतर
जनता से कोई आपजि प्राप्त नहीं की गई ह।ै
3352 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
और अब आिेदक ने जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अंतगसत पारेषण योजना “मैससस एज़्योर पािर
इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड के 300 मेगािाट सोलर पॉिर पलांट, बीकानेर, राजस्ट्थान के जलए कनेजटटजिटी जसस्ट्टम” के तहत
जिद्युत लाइन जबछान े के जलए उसे िे सभी िजक्तयां प्रदान करन े का अनुरोध दकया है, जो टेलीग्राफ के प्रयोजन के जलए
सरकार द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या स्ट्थाजपत होन े िाली टेलीग्राफ लाइनों
और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के अंतगसत टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ह।ै
इस योजना के तहत जनम्नजलजखत ओिरहडे लाइनें िाजमल ह ैं–
1. एज़्योर बीकानेर 300 मेगािाट पलांट- एज़्योर बीकानेर 2x300 MW दोनों पलांट के कॉमन पूललग पाइंट की
400kV S/C लाईन
स्ट्कीम के अतं गतस आिटरत रांजस्ट्मिन लाइन्स जनम्नजलजखत तहसीलों, तालुकों, मंडलों, ब्लॉक, गांिों, नगरों तथा िहरों
स,े ऊपर, आसपास तथा बीच से होकर गुजरेगी।
राज्य : राजस्ट्थान
गािों के नाम तालकु ा ज़िला
1. दाऊदसर 2. लालसर 3. जगदेििाला 4. जामसर बीकानेर बीकानेर
अब, सािधानीपूिसक जिचार करने के पश्चात, केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण, जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार,
मैससस एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को उपरोक्त स्ट्कीम के अंतगसत आिटरत रांजस्ट्मिन लाइन्स को लगाने के
जलए िे सभी िजक्तयां जनम्नजलजखत जनबंधनों एिं िततों के साथ प्रदान करता है, जो टेलीग्राफ के उद्देश्य के जलए सरकार
द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या स्ट्थाजपत होने िाली टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और
खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के अंतगतस टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ह ै -
(i) यह अनुमोदन 25 िषतों के जलए प्रदान दकया जाता ह।ै
(ii) आिेदक को प्रस्ट्ताजित लाइनों की स्ट्थापना स े पूिस संबंजधत प्राजधकाटरयों अथासत ् स्ट्थानीय जनकायों,
रेलि,े राष्ट्रीय राजमाग,स राज्य राजमागस आदद की सहमजत लेनी होगी।
(iii) आिेदक जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के तहत बनाए गए रांसजमिन, ओ एंड एम, ओपन एटससे इत्यादद
के संबंध में उपयक्तु आयोग के जनयमों/कोडों का पालन करेगा।
(iv) आिेदक संबंजधत केंद्र सरकार के जिद्युत जनरीक्षक/मुख्य जिद्युत जनरीक्षक के अनुमोदन के पश्चात ही
लाइनों का प्रचालन करेगा।
(v) यह अनुमोदन आिेदक द्वारा जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के प्रािधानों और उसके तहत बनाए गए
जनयमों की अपेक्षाओं का अनुपालन दकए जाने के अध्यधीन ह।ै
(vi) मैससस एज़्योर पािर इंजडया प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को जिद्युत जनरीक्षण के समय जिमानन एिं रक्षा
प्राजधकरणों इत्यादद, से अपेजक्षत अनुमजत को प्राप्त करने के बाद, इसे केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण को
जिद्युत जनरीक्षण के समय प्रस्ट्ततु करना होगा।
(vii) यदद उपरोक्त ओिरहडे लाइनों का मागस (या उपरोक्त ओिरहडे लाइन के मागस का कुछ भाग) मानजचत्र
में जचजननत जीआईबी संभाजित क्षेत्र (या प्राथजमकता क्षेत्र) में आता ह ै जो माननीय सुप्रीम कोटस के
जीआईबी (ग्रेट इंजडयन बस्ट्टड)स मामले के संबंध म ें 2019 की याजचका संख्या 838, आदेि ददनांक
19.04.2021 का जहस्ट्सा ह ै | आिेदक को उपरोक्त ओिरहडे रांसजमिन के भूजमगत होन े के संबंध या
बडस डायिटसर लगाने के जलय े , जैसा भी मामला हो , माननीय उच्चतम न्यायालय के आदिे ददनांक
19.04.2021 के जनदेिों का और माननीय उच्चतम न्यायालय द्वारा गटित तकनीकी सजमजत के जनदेिों
का पालन करना ह ै।
राकेि गोयल, सजचि
[जिज्ञापन III/4/असा./79/2022-23][भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का राजपत्र : असाधारण 3
CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
ORDER
New Delhi, the 18th May, 2022
F. No. CEA-PS-13-23(13)/4/2022-PSPM Division.—Whereas M/s. Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd.,
the applicant with its registered office at, 3rd Floor, Asset No. 301-304 and 307, World Mark 3, Aerocity,
New Delhi – 110037, has applied for authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for laying
of electric lines under the transmission scheme ―Connectivity System to M/s. Azure Power India Private
Limited for 300MW Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan‖.
And whereas, CEA, Ministry of Power, Government of India vide its letter No I/11184/2020 dated
02.09.2020 had granted prior approval under section 68(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003 to M/s Azure Power
India Pvt. Ltd. for the transmission scheme ―Connectivity System to M/s. Azure Power India Private
Limited for 300MW Solar Power Plant in Bikaner, Rajasthan‖.
M/s Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. has published notice for transmission scheme in local newspapers
dated 10.09.2020 (The Times of India, Dainik Bhaskar, Rashtradoot & Jalte Deep) and in The Gazette of
India, dated October 10 – October 16, 2020, for the general public to make observations/representations on
the proposed transmission route within 60 days from the date of publication. Subsequently, M/s Azure
Power India Pvt. Ltd. has submitted an affidavit dated 21.02.2022 declaring that no objection has been
received from public within 60 days of publication of Public Notice in newspapers / Gazette of India.
And now the applicant has requested to confer upon it, all the powers under section 164 of the
Electricity Act, 2003, which the telegraph authority possess under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 with
respect to the placing of telegraph lines and posts for the purpose of a telegraph established or maintained
by Government or to be so established or maintained for laying of electric lines under the transmission
scheme ―Connectivity System to M/s. Azure Power India Private Limited for 300MW Solar Power Plant in
Bikaner, Rajasthan‖. The following overhead lines are covered under this scheme:
1. Azure Bikaner 300MW Plant – Common Pooling Point of both Azure-Bikaner 2x300MW Plant 400
KV S/C line.
The transmission lines covered under the scheme will pass through, over, around and between the
following of Tehsils, Talukas, Mandals, Blocks, villages, towns & cities.
Line : Azure Bikaner 300MW Plant – Common Pooling Point of both Azure-Bikaner 2x300MW Plant 400
KV S/C line.
STATE :RAJASTHAN
Villages name TALUKAS District
1. Daudsar 2. Lalsar 3. Jagdev Wala 4. Jamsar Bikaner Bikaner
Now, after careful consideration, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, Government of
India, under section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, confers all the powers which telegraph authority
possesses under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 with respect to placing of telegraph lines and posts for the
purposes of a telegraph established or maintained by Government or to be established or maintained upon
M/s Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. for laying above overhead line, subject to following terms and conditions:
(i) The approval is granted for 25 years;
(ii) The Applicant shall seek the consent of the concerned authorities i.e. local bodies, Railways,
National Highways, State Highways etc. before erection of proposed lines;
(iii) The Applicant shall follow regulations/codes of the Appropriate Commission regarding
transmission, O&M, open access, etc., framed under Electricity Act, 2003.
(iv) The Applicant shall operate the lines after approval of Electrical Inspector / Chief Electrical
Inspector of Central Government.4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
(v) The approval is subject to compliance of the requirement of the provisions of the Electricity
Act, 2003 and the rules made there under by the applicant.
(vi) M/s Azure Power India Pvt. Ltd. shall submit the requisite clearances to Central Electricity
Authority after obtaining the same from concerned authorities like Civil Aviation, Defence
etc., at the time of Electrical Inspection.
(vii) In case, the route of above overhead lines (or some portion of the route of above overhead
line) falls in the GIB potential zone (or priority zone) marked in the map which is part of the
order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 19.04.2021, in the petition No.838 of 2019
regarding GIB (Great Indian Bustard) case, the applicant has to comply with the directions of
the Hon’ble Supreme Court, with regard to undergrounding of the above overhead
transmission line and / or fixing of bird diverters, as the case may be as per the Hon’ble
Supreme Court Order dated 19.04.2021 and the directions of the technical committee
constituted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in this regard.
RAKESH GOYAL, Secy.
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./79/2022-23]
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.