## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization for Electric Lines - Mahindra Susten Private Ltd.
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a government order authorizing Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. to lay electric lines for its 250 MW solar power project in Rajasthan. The core purpose is to grant the company the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of electric lines for the project. The key finding is that this order grants specific rights subject to compliance with existing regulations and obtaining necessary approvals, enabling the expansion of solar power infrastructure in the region.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an informative overview of the Central Electricity Authority's (CEA) order regarding the authorization granted to Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. for laying electric lines for their solar power project. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the order.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a new policy authorization, not an amendment to an existing one.
* **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to enable the establishment of electric lines for a 250 MW solar power project by granting Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. This facilitates the development and connectivity of the solar power plant to the grid.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
As a new authorization, the policy addresses the need to facilitate the development of renewable energy infrastructure. The text suggests that the government aims to promote solar power generation by streamlining the process of establishing transmission lines for such projects. By granting the powers of a telegraph authority, the policy likely intends to expedite the laying of electric lines, overcoming potential obstacles related to land access and right-of-way issues.
**5. Key Provisions:**
The order grants Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. all the powers which a telegraph authority possesses under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, with respect to placing of telegraph lines and posts. This is specifically for the purpose of establishing or maintaining electric lines for their 250 MW solar power project in Kolayat Tehsil, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Specifically:
* Authorizes the laying of overhead lines from the Mahindra Susten Solar Power Plant to Bhadla II PS (220kV Sc line).
* Specifies the villages, Tehsils, Taluks, towns and cities through which the transmission lines will pass in Rajasthan.
* Includes specific terms and conditions:
* The approval is granted for 25 years.
* The Applicant (Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd.) must seek consent from relevant authorities (local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, etc.) before erecting the lines.
* The Applicant must follow regulations/codes regarding transmission, O&M, open access, etc., framed under the Electricity Act, 2003.
* The Applicant must operate the lines after approval of the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government.
* Compliance with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and related rules is required.
* The Applicant must submit requisite clearances from authorities like Civil Aviation and Defence at the time of electrical inspection.
* Compliance with Supreme Court directives related to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) for overhead transmission lines is mandatory.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholder is Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. Other stakeholders include:
* Local bodies and authorities (Railways, National Highways, State Highways) in the affected areas of Rajasthan.
* The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Ministry of Power.
* The Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government.
* The communities residing in the villages, Tehsils, Taluks, towns, and cities through which the transmission lines will pass.
* Environmental organizations and advocates concerned with the impact on the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, Government of India is responsible for issuing the authorization and overseeing compliance. Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. is responsible for implementing the project in accordance with the specified terms and conditions. Local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, Civil Aviation, Defence, and the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government are also involved in the approval and oversight process.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The approval is granted for 25 years. The applicant must seek consent from relevant authorities *before* erecting the lines. The applicant must operate the lines *after* approval of the Electrical Inspector. There is an immediate requirement to adhere to the Supreme Court's directive relating to the GIB.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcomes are:
* Facilitated establishment of electric lines for the 250 MW solar power project in Rajasthan.
* Increased solar power generation capacity and contribution to renewable energy targets.
* Improved connectivity of the solar power plant to the grid.
* Economic benefits through increased energy availability and potential job creation.
* Potential negative environmental impact on the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) if mitigation measures are not effectively implemented.
**9. Conclusion:**
The CEA order authorizes Ms. Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. to lay electric lines for their solar power project, granting them the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, subject to specific terms and conditions. This policy is significant as it facilitates the development of renewable energy infrastructure and contributes to India's solar power generation capacity. However, careful attention must be given to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, particularly concerning the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). The order serves as a critical step in enabling the connectivity and operationalization of the solar power plant, contributing to the expansion of clean energy sources.
Key Entities Referenced
Electricity Act, 2003: An act of the Indian Parliament concerning electricity.
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: An act concerning telegraph lines and posts.
Mahindra Susten Private Ltd.: An applicant company seeking authorization for laying electric lines for a solar power project.
Kolayat Tehsil, Bikaner, Rajasthan: Location of Mahindra Susten Private Ltd's 250 MW solar power project.
Central Electricity Authority: An authority, Ministry of Power, Government of India that granted prior approval under section 681 of the Electricity Act, 2003 to Ms Mahindra Susten Private Ltd.
Dainik Navjyoti: A local newspaper that published notice for the transmission scheme.
The Indian Express: A local newspaper that published notice for the transmission scheme.
Hindustan Times: A local newspaper that published notice for the transmission scheme.
Dainik Bhaskar: A local newspaper that published notice for the transmission scheme.
BhadlaII PS 220kV Sc line: The overhead line covered under this scheme.
Bap, Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Villages name Tehsil Taluk District through which the transmission lines covered under the scheme will pass through
Seora, Kolayat, Bikaner, Rajasthan: Villages name Tehsil Taluk District through which the transmission lines covered under the scheme will pass through
Mehtabpura, Sofra Nagar, Bajju, Bikaner, Rajasthan: Villages name Tehsil Taluk District through which the transmission lines covered under the scheme will pass through
Badi Sid, Ranjeet Nagar, Kan Singh ki sid, Bap, Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Villages name Tehsil Taluk District through which the transmission lines covered under the scheme will pass through
Hon'ble Supreme Court of India: Court that gave direction related to GIB Great Indian Bustard in Writ Petition No. 838 of 2019 for laying of overhead transmission lines.
Great Indian Bustard: Direction of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in its Order in I.A No. 85618 of 2020 dated 19.04.2021 related to GIB Great Indian Bustard in Writ Petition No. 838 of 2019 for laying of overhead transmission lines
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-25032022-234465
xxxGIDHxxx
CG-DL-E-25032022-234465
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 153] नई ददल्ली, बृ स्ट्प जतिार, माच स24, 2022/ चत्रै 3, 1944
No. 153] NEW DELHI, THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022/ CHAITRA 3, 1944
केंद्रीय जिद्यतु प्राजधकरण
आदेि
नई ददल्ली, 8 फरिरी, 2022
फा. स.ं CEA-PS-13-17(42)/1/2022-PSPM Division.—िबदक मेससस मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड
जिसका पंिीकृत कायासलय मह द्रं ा टािसस, डॉ. िी. भोसल े मागस, पी.के. कुने चौक, िली, मुंबई 400 018 ,ै न े पारेषण
योिना “कोलायत त सील, बीकानेर, रािस्ट्थान में अपनी 250 मेगािाट सौर ऊिास पररयोिना के जलए मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन
प्राइिेट जलजमटेड की कनेजटटजिटी प्रणाली” के त त जबिली की तारें जबछान े के जलए जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा
164 के अतं गतस प्राजधकृत करने ते ु आिेदन दकया ।ै
और िबदक, के.जि.प्रा., जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार ने अपने पत्र सं. I/15854/2021 ददनांक 07.06.2021 के
द्वारा पारेषण योिना “कोलायत त सील, बीकानेर, रािस्ट्थान में अपनी 250 मगे ािाट सौर ऊिास पररयोिना के जलए
मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड की कनेजटटजिटी प्रणाली” के जलए मेससस मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को जिद्युत
अजधजनयम की धारा 68(1) के अंतगतस पूिस अनुमोदन प्रदान दकया था।
मेससस मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड ने ददनांक 17.09.2021 (दैजनक निज्योजत), 18.09.2021 (द इंजडयन
एटसप्रेस, ह दं स्ट्ु तान टाइम्स) तथा 22.02.2021 (दैजनक भास्ट्कर) के स्ट्थानीय अखबारों तथा भारत का रािपत्र साप्ताज क
ददनांक 9 अटटूबर - 15 अटटूबर, 2021 को, प्रकाजित दकया गया था । जिसमें पारेषण योिना के जलए प्रस्ट्ताजित पारेषण
मागस पर प्रकािन की तारीख से 60 ददनों के भीतर आम िनता की रटप्पजणयों / अभ्यािेदन की मांग करत े हुए नोरटस
प्रकाजित दकया था । इसके पश्चात, मेससस मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड ने 25.12.2021 ददनांदकत एक लफनामा
2027 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
प्रस्ट्तुत दकया, जिसमें घोषणा की गई दक समाचार पत्रों / भारत का रािपत्र में उपरोक्त पारेषण योिना के जलए सािसिजनक
सूचना के प्रकािन के 60 ददनों के भीतर िनता से कोई आपजि प्राप्त न ीं की गई ।ै
और अब आिेदक न े जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अंतगसत पारेषण योिना “कोलायत त सील,
बीकानेर, रािस्ट्थान में अपनी 250 मगे ािाट सौर ऊिास पररयोिना के जलए मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड की
कनेजटटजिटी प्रणाली” के त त जिद्युत लाइन जबछाने के जलए उसे िे सभी िजक्तयां प्रदान करने का अनुरोध दकया ै, िो
टेलीग्राफ के प्रयोिन के जलए सरकार द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या स्ट्थाजपत
ोने िाली टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के अतं गतस
टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ।ै
इस योिना के त त जनम्नजलजखत ओिर डे लाइनें िाजमल ैं–
1. मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन सोलर पािर प्लाटं ,कोलायत त सील, बीकानेर, रािस्ट्थान - भादला-II पीएस 220 के.िी. एस./सी.
लाईन
स्ट्कीम के अतं गतस आिररत रांजस्ट्मिन लाइन्स जनम्नजलजखत त सीलों, तालुकों, गांिों, नगरों तथा ि रों स,े ऊपर,
आसपास तथा बीच से ोकर गिु रेगी.
राज्य : रािस्ट्थान
गािों के नाम त सील ज़िला
सेिारा कोलायत बीकानेर
मे ताबपुरा, सोफरा नगर बज्जू बीकानेर
बडीजसड, रणिीतनगर, कानहसं की जसड बाप िोधपुर
जनकटतम ढाणी:- रलाल की ढाणी, कुम् ारों की ढाणी, सामी की ढाणी, चारणों की ढाणी, सुथारों की ढाणी
अब, सािधानीपूिसक जिचार करने के पश्चात, केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण, जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार, मेससस
मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को उपरोक्त स्ट्कीम के अंतगतस आिररत रांजस्ट्मिन लाइन्स को लगाने के जलए िे सभी
िजक्तयां जनम्नजलजखत जनबंधनों एिं ितों के साथ प्रदान करता ै, िो टेलीग्राफ के उदेशेय य के जलए सरकार द्वारा स्ट्थाजपत
टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए या स्ट्थाजपत ोने िाली टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके
रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम, 1885 के अंतगतस टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ै -
(i) य अनुमोदन 25 िषों के जलए प्रदान दकया िाता ।ै
(ii) आिेदक को प्रस्ट्ताजित लाइनों की स्ट्थापना स े पूिस संबंजधत प्राजधकाररयों अथासत ् स्ट्थानीय जनकायों, रेलि,े राष्ट्रीय
रािमाग,स राज्य रािमागस आदद की स मजत लेनी ोगी।
(iii) आिेदक जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के त त बनाए गए रांसजमिन, ओ एडं एम, ओपन एटससे इत्यादद के संबंध में
उपयुक्त आयोग के जनयमों/कोडों का पालन करेगा।
(iv) आिेदक संबंजधत केंद्र सरकार के जिद्युत जनरीक्षक/मुख्य जिद्युत जनरीक्षक के अनुमोदन के पश्चात ी लाइनों का
प्रचालन करेगा।
(v) य अनुमोदन आिेदक द्वारा जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के प्रािधानों और उसके त त बनाए गए जनयमों की
अपेक्षाओं का अनुपालन दकए िाने के अध्यधीन ।ै
(vi) मेससस मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को जिद्युत जनरीक्षण के समय जिमानन एिं रक्षा प्राजधकरणों इत्यादद, से
अपेजक्षत अनुमजत को प्राप्त करन े के बाद, इसे केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण को जिद्युत जनरीक्षण के समय प्रस्ट्तुत करना
ोगा।[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(vii) मेससस मह द्रं ा सस्ट्टेन प्राइिेट जलजमटेड को ओिर डे लाइन जबछाने के जलए माननीय सिोच्च न्यायालय के आदेि
ददनांक 19.04.2021 िीआईबी (ग्रेट इंजडयन बस्ट्टडस) मामले के संबंध म ें 2019 की ररट याजचका संख्या 838,
2020 के आईए नंबर 85618 का पालन करना ोगा।
िी.के. जमश्रा, सजचि
[जिज्ञापन-III/4/असा./706/2021-22]
CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
ORDER
New Delhi, the 8th February, 2022
F. No. CEA-PS-13-17(42)/1/2022-PSPM Division.—whereas M/s Mahindra Susten Private Ltd., the
applicant with its registered office at Mahindra Towers, Dr.G. Bhosale Marg, P.K. Kurne Chowk, Worli, Mumbai
400018 has applied for authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for laying of electric lines under
the transmission scheme “Connectivity system of Mahindra Susten Private Limited for its 250 MW solar power
project in Kolayat Tehsil, Bikaner, Rajasthan”.
And whereas, CEA, Ministry of Power, Government of India vide its letter No I/15854/2021 dated
07.06.2021 had granted prior approval under section 68(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003 to M/s Mahindra Susten Private
Ltd. for the transmission scheme “Connectivity system of Mahindra Susten Private Limited for its 250 MW solar
power project in Kolayat Tehsil, Bikaner, Rajasthan”.
M/s Mahindra Susten Private Ltd. has published notice for the transmission scheme in local newspapers
dated 17.09.2021 (Dainik Navjyoti), 18.09.2021 (The Indian Express, Hindustan Times) & 22.09.2021 (Dainik
Bhaskar) and in The Gazette of India, dated 9th October – 15th October, 2021, for the general public to make
observations/representations on the proposed transmission route within 60 days from the date of publication.
Subsequently, M/s Mahindra Susten Private Ltd has submitted an affidavit dated 25.12.2021 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 of Mahindra
Susten Private Limited for its 250 MW solar power project in Kolayat Tehsil, Bikaner, Rajasthan”. The following
overhead lines are covered under this scheme:
1. Mahindra Susten Solar Power Plant in Kolayat Tehsil, Bikaner, Rajasthan-Bhadla-II PS 220kV S/c line.
The transmission lines covered under the scheme will pass through, over, around and between the following villages,
Tehsils/ Taluks, towns & cities.
STATE :RAJASTHAN
Villages name Tehsil/ Taluk District
Seora Kolayat Bikaner
Mehtabpura, Sofra Nagar Bajju Bikaner
Badi Sid, Ranjeet Nagar, Kan Singh ki sid Bap Jodhpur
Nearest Dhani :-Harlal ki dhani , Kumharon ki dhani, Sami Ki Dhani , Charnon ki dhani , Sutharon ki Dhani
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 telegraph4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
established or maintained by Government or to be established or maintained upon M/s Mahindra Susten Private 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.
(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 Mahindra Susten Private 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) M/s Mahindra Susten Private Ltd shall comply with the direction of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in its Order
in I.A No. 85618 of 2020 dated 19.04.2021 related to GIB (Great Indian Bustard) in Writ Petition No. 838 of
2019 for laying of overhead transmission lines.
V.K MISHRA, Secy.
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./706/2021-22]
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.