## Policy Analysis Report: Central Electricity Authority Order Regarding NTPC Limited Solar Projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) order dated April 25, 2022, granting NTPC Limited authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to lay electric lines for its 250 MW and 300 MW solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The order confers upon NTPC Limited the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, for this specific purpose, subject to certain terms and conditions. The key findings highlight the approval process, the geographical scope, and the imposed conditions regarding compliance with existing regulations, obtaining necessary clearances, and addressing environmental concerns related to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) order concerning the authorization granted to NTPC Limited for laying electric lines for its solar power projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the development and operation of NTPC Limited's 250 MW and 300 MW solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan, by granting the necessary authorization for establishing the transmission infrastructure. This includes enabling connectivity to the grid.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This is a new policy order. The order addresses the need to provide NTPC Limited with the necessary legal authority to lay electric lines for its solar projects. It appears to streamline the process by granting NTPC powers similar to those of a telegraph authority, enabling them to efficiently establish the required transmission infrastructure. The order likely addresses the challenges associated with obtaining right-of-way and constructing transmission lines, which are essential for the successful operation of renewable energy projects.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As this is a new policy order the key provisions are:
* **Grant of Authority:** The CEA grants NTPC Limited all the powers which a telegraph authority possesses under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, for the purpose of laying electric lines for the specified transmission scheme. This includes the power to place telegraph lines and posts.
* **Project Scope:** The authorization applies specifically to the transmission scheme connecting NTPC Limited’s 250 MW and 300 MW solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The order details the overhead lines covered under the scheme:
* NTPC Ltd 300 MW power plant NTPCs common PS for 250 MW and 300 MW solar projects at Kolayat 400 kV Sc Line
* NTPCs common PS for 250 MW and 300 MW solar projects at Kolayat Bhadla II PS 400 kV Sc Line
* **Geographic Scope:** The transmission lines will pass through the following Tehsils, Talukas, Mandals, Blocks, villages, towns cities.
* STATE :RAJASTHAN
* Villages name
* TALUKAS
* District
* Tokla , Nokhra
* Kolayat
* Bikaner
* Khidrat, Kishneri, Kan Singh ki Seed
* Phalodi
* Jodhpur
* **Terms and Conditions:** The authorization is subject to the following conditions:
* The approval is granted for 25 years.
* NTPC Limited must seek consent from relevant authorities (local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, etc.) before erecting the lines.
* NTPC Limited must comply with regulations and codes regarding transmission, operation and maintenance (O&M), and open access, as framed under the Electricity Act, 2003.
* The lines must be operated after approval from the Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government.
* NTPC Limited must comply with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, and related rules.
* NTPC Limited must submit the necessary clearances from authorities like Civil Aviation, Defence, etc., at the time of Electrical Inspection.
* If the transmission line route falls within the GIB potential or priority zone, NTPC Limited must comply with the Supreme Court's directions regarding undergrounding or fixing bird diverters.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this order are:
* **NTPC Limited:** As the recipient of the authorization.
* **Central Electricity Authority (CEA):** As the issuing authority and regulator.
* **Local Authorities:** Including local bodies, Railways, National Highways, and State Highways, from whom consent must be obtained.
* **Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of the Central Government:** Who must approve the operation of the lines.
* **Civil Aviation and Defence authorities:** From whom clearances may be required.
* **Communities in Bikaner and Jodhpur districts, Rajasthan:** Whose land and environment may be affected by the transmission lines.
* **Environmental organizations and advocates for the Great Indian Bustard (GIB):** Due to the potential impact on GIB habitats.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the order. NTPC Limited is responsible for complying with all terms and conditions.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The approval is valid for 25 years. NTPC Limited must obtain consent from relevant authorities *before* erecting the transmission lines. An electrical inspection and approval is required *before* operating the lines. The specific procedures for obtaining consent and clearances are not detailed in the text but are implied. Compliance with Supreme Court orders on GIB protection indicates that environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures may be necessary before implementation, depending on the specific route of the transmission lines.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcomes of this order are:
* **Facilitating the timely completion of NTPC Limited's solar projects:** By streamlining the process for establishing the necessary transmission infrastructure.
* **Increased renewable energy generation capacity:** Contributing to India's renewable energy targets.
* **Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements:** Through the imposed terms and conditions.
* **Mitigating environmental impact:** Particularly concerning the Great Indian Bustard, by requiring compliance with Supreme Court orders. The impact of this specific change is to protect the GIB population, should the transmission line routes fall in the GIB areas.
**9. Conclusion:**
The Central Electricity Authority order grants NTPC Limited the necessary authorization to lay electric lines for its solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan, facilitating the development of renewable energy infrastructure. The order underscores the importance of regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and stakeholder engagement in the implementation of such projects. While the text provides a clear framework for the authorization, further details on specific procedures and compliance requirements may be necessary for effective implementation.
Key Entities Referenced
Electricity Act, 2003: A law regarding electricity in India, cited as the legal basis for the authorization.
NEW DELHI: Capital of India; place of publication of the gazette notification.
NTPC Limited: Applicant seeking authorization for laying electric lines.
NTPC Bhawan, SCOPE Complex, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003: Registered office address of Ms. NTPC Limited.
Bikaner, Rajasthan: Location of the 250 and 300 MW solar projects for which electric lines are being laid.
Ministry of Power, Government of India: Government body that granted prior approval for the transmission scheme.
The Times of India: Name of local newspaper in which notice for transmission scheme was published.
Dainik Bhaskar: Name of local newspaper in which notice for transmission scheme was published.
Rashtradoot: Name of local newspaper in which notice for transmission scheme was published.
The Gazette of India: Official government gazette in which notice for transmission scheme was published.
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: Act granting telegraph authority powers, which are being conferred upon NTPC Limited.
Kolayat: Location of NTPC Ltd 300 MW power plant, a site relevant to the electric lines project.
Bhadla II PS: Name of power station relevant to the electric lines project.
Rajasthan: State in India through which the transmission lines will pass.
Tokla: Name of village through which the transmission lines will pass.
Nokhra: Name of village through which the transmission lines will pass.
Kolayat: Name of village through which the transmission lines will pass.
Bikaner: Name of district in Rajasthan through which the transmission lines will pass.
Khidrat: Name of village through which the transmission lines will pass.
Kishneri: Name of village through which the transmission lines will pass.
Kan Singh ki Seed: Name of village through which the transmission lines will pass.
Phalodi: Name of Taluka through which the transmission lines will pass.
Jodhpur: Name of district in Rajasthan through which the transmission lines will pass.
Central Electricity Authority: Authority conferring powers to Ms NTPC Limited.
Supreme Court: Court which order dated 19.04.2021 mentioned in the document
Great Indian Bustard: Related to petition No.838 of 2019.
रजजस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
xxxGIDHxxx
सी.जी.-डी.एलxx.x-GअID.-E1x9x0x 52022-235848
CG-DL-E-19052022-235848
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 261] नई ददल्ली, बुधिार, मई 18, 2022/ििै ाख 28, 1944
No. 261] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022/VAISAKHA 28, 1944
केंद्रीय जिद्यतु प्राजधकरण
आदेि
नई ददल्ली, 25 अप्रैल, 2022
फा. स.ं CEA-PS-13-17(23)/1/2022-PSPM Division.—जबदक मैससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड, जजसका पंजीकृत
कायासलय एनटीपीसी भिन, स्ट्कोप कॉम्प्लेक्स, इंस्ट्टीट्यूिनल एररया, लोधी रोड, नई ददल्ली 110003 ह,ै ने पारेषण
योजना “मेससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को 250 और 300 मगे ािाट सौर पररयोजनाओं के जलए बीकानेर, राजस्ट्थान में
कनेजक्टजिटी प्रणाली” के तहत जबजली की तारें जबछान े के जलए जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अतं गतस
प्राजधकृत करन े हते ु आिेदन दकया ह।ै
और जबदक, के.जि.प्रा., जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार ने अपने पत्र सं. I/12240/2020 ददनांक 10.11.2020 के
द्वारा पारेषण योजना “मेससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को 250 और 300 मेगािाट सौर पररयोजनाओं के जलए बीकानेर,
राजस्ट्थान म ें कनेजक्टजिटी प्रणाली” के जलए मैससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को जिद्युत अजधजनयम की धारा 68(1) के अतं गसत
पूिस अनुमोदन प्रदान दकया था।
मैससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड ने ददनांक 17.07.2021 को (द टाइम्पस ऑफ इंजडया, दैजनक भास्ट्कर और राष्ट्रदतू ) के
स्ट्थानीय अखबारों तथा भारत का राजपत्र साप्ताजहक ददनांक 6 निम्पबर -12 निम्पबर 2021 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
रट्पजणयों / अभ्यािेदन की मांग करते हुए नोरटस प्रकाजित दकया था । इसके पश्चात, मैससस एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड न े
18.01.2022 ददनांदकत एक हलफनामा प्रस्ट्ततु दकया, जजसमें घोषणा की गई दक समाचार पत्रों / भारत का राजपत्र म ें
उपरोक्त पारेषण योजना के जलए सािसजजनक सूचना के प्रकािन के 60 ददनों के भीतर जनता से कोई आपजि प्राप्त नहीं की
गई ह।ै
3351 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
और अब आिेदक न े जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अंतगसत पारेषण योजना “मेससस एनटीपीसी
जलजमटेड को 250 और 300 मेगािाट सौर पररयोजनाओं के जलए बीकानेर, राजस्ट्थान में कनेजक्टजिटी प्रणाली” के तहत
जिद्युत लाइन जबछाने के जलए उसे िे सभी िजक्तयां प्रदान करने का अनुरोध दकया ह,ै जो टेलीग्राफ के प्रयोजन 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 अंतगसत टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ह।ै
इस योजना के तहत जनम्नजलजखत ओिरहडे लाइनें िाजमल ह ैं–
1) एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड 300 मगे ािाट जबजली संयंत्र - एनटीपीसी कॉमन पूललग स्ट्टेिन तक कोलायत म ें 250
मेगािाट और 300 मेगािाट सौर पररयोजनाओं के जलए 400 केिी एस / सी लाइन हते ु
2) कोलायत म ें 250 मगे ािाट और 300 मगे ािाट सौर पररयोजनाओं के जलए एनटीपीसी कॉमन पूललग स्ट्टेिन स े
भदला -II पीएस तक 400 केिी एस / सी लाइन हते ु
उपरोक्त स्ट्कीम के अंतगसत आिररत 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
टोकला, नोखरा कोलायत बीकानेर
जखदरत, दकिनेरी, कान लसह की जसड फलोदी जोधपुर
अब, सािधानीपूिसक जिचार करने के पश्चात, केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण, जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार, मेससस
एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को उपरोक्त स्ट्कीम के अंतगसत आिररत रांजस्ट्मिन लाइन्स को लगाने के जलए ि े सभी िजक्तया ं
जनम्नजलजखत जनबंधनों एिं ितों के साथ प्रदान करता ह,ै 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 िषों के जलए प्रदान दकया जाता ह।ै
(ii) आिेदक को प्रस्ट्ताजित लाइनों की स्ट्थापना स े पूिस संबंजधत प्राजधकाररयों अथासत् स्ट्थानीय जनकायों, रेलि,े
राष्ट्रीय राजमाग,स राज्य राजमागस आदद की सहमजत लने ी होगी।
(iii) आिेदक जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के तहत बनाए गए रांसजमिन, ओ एडं एम, ओपन एक्सेस इत्यादद के
संबंध में उपयुक्त आयोग के जनयमों/कोडों का पालन करेगा।
(iv) आिेदक संबंजधत केंद्र सरकार के जिद्युत जनरीक्षक/मुख्य जिद्यतु 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) मेससस एनटीपीसी 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 प्रस्ट्तुत
करना होगा।
(vii) यदद उपरोक्त ओिरहडे लाइनों का मागस (या उपरोक्त ओिरहडे लाइन के माग स का कुछ भाग) मानजचत्र म ें
जचजननत जीआईबी संभाजित क्षेत्र (या प्राथजमकता क्षेत्र) में आता ह ै जो माननीय सुप्रीम कोटस के जीआईबी
(ग्रेट इंजडयन बस्ट्टड)स मामले के संबंध में 2019 की याजचका संख्या 838, आदेि ददनांक 19.04.2021 का
जहस्ट्सा ह ै | आिेदक को उपरोक्त ओिरहडे रांसजमिन के भूजमगत होने के संबंध या बडस डायिटसर लगाने के
जलये , जैसा भी मामला हो , माननीय उच्चतम न्यायालय के आदेि ददनांक 19.04.2021 के जनदेिों का और
माननीय उच्चतम न्यायालय द्वारा गरित तकनीकी सजमजत के जनदेिों का पालन करना ह ै।
राकेि गोयल, सजचि
[जिज्ञापन III/4/असा./78/2022-23][भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का राजपत्र : असाधारण 3
CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
ORDER
New Delhi, the 25th April, 2022
F. No. CEA-PS-13-17(23)/1/2022-PSPM Division.—Whereas M/s. NTPC Limited, the applicant
with its registered office at NTPC Bhawan, SCOPE Complex, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
110003 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 NTPC Limited for 250 and 300 MW
solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan‖.
And whereas, CEA, Ministry of Power, Government of India vide its letter No I/12240/2020 dated
10.11.2020 had granted prior approval under section 68(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003 to M/s NTPC
Limited for the transmission scheme ―Connectivity system to M/s NTPC Limited for 250 and 300 MW
solar projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan ‖.
M/s NTPC Limited has published notice for transmission scheme in local newspapers dated
17.07.2021 (The Times of India, Dainik Bhaskar, Rashtradoot) and in The Gazette of India, dated
6th November -12th November, 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 NTPC Limited
has submitted an affidavit dated 18.01.2022 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 NTPC Limited for 250 and 300 MW solar projects in Bikaner,
Rajasthan ―. The following overhead lines are covered under this scheme:
1) NTPC Ltd 300 MW power plant – NTPC’s common PS for 250 MW and 300 MW solar projects
at Kolayat 400 kV S/c Line
2) NTPC’s common PS for 250 MW and 300 MW solar projects at Kolayat – Bhadla –II PS 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.
STATE :RAJASTHAN
Villages name TALUKAS District
Tokla , Nokhra Kolayat Bikaner
Khidrat, Kishneri, Kan Singh ki Seed Phalodi Jodhpur
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 NTPC Limited 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 NTPC Limited 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./78/2022-23]
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.