## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization for Laying Electric Lines for NTPC Limited Solar Plant
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a policy order issued by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) authorizing NTPC Limited to lay electric lines for its proposed 300 MW solar plant in Nokhra, Bikaner, Rajasthan. The order confers upon NTPC Limited the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, for the purpose of laying these electric lines. Key findings include specific conditions attached to the authorization, including a 25-year approval period, consent requirements from relevant authorities, and compliance with existing electricity regulations and Supreme Court directives regarding Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitats.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis, based solely on the provided text, of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) order regarding the authorization granted to NTPC Limited for laying electric lines for its solar power plant project. The report outlines the key aspects of the order, its implications, and the conditions attached to the authorization.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a new policy action in the form of an order granting authorization.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the primary objective is to authorize NTPC Limited to lay electric lines necessary for the connectivity system supporting their 300 MW solar plant in Nokhra, Bikaner, Rajasthan. This facilitates the operationalization of the solar power plant and its integration with the electricity grid.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* As a new policy action, the order addresses the need for NTPC Limited to secure the necessary authorizations to construct the transmission infrastructure required for its solar power plant. The Electricity Act, 2003, Section 164, empowers the appropriate government to confer upon any public works licensee any of the powers which the telegraph authority possesses under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, with respect to placing of telegraph lines and posts. This order fulfills that need for NTPC.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As a new policy action, the order establishes the following:
* **Authorization:** NTPC Limited is granted the powers of a telegraph authority under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, for laying electric lines for the specified transmission scheme (Connectivity system for 300 MW to Ms NTPC Limited for its proposed solar plant in Nokhra,Bikaner, Rajasthan).
* **Scope:** The authorization covers the NTPC Limited solar power plant, Nokhra Bhadla II 220KV Pooling Station Sc line suitable for 300MW at nominal voltage along with associated bay at generation end.
* **Location:** The overhead line will pass through specified villages, towns, and cities in the Rajasthan, specifically Pethado Ki Dhani, Girajsar , Dewdo Ki Dhani, Jetugo ki Dhani, Shimbhoo Ka Burj, Solankiyo Ki Dhani, Kumharo Ki Dhani, Kolayat, Khidrat, Kanji Ki Sird, Bari Seer and Malamsingh Ki Seer.
* **Conditions:** The authorization is subject to the following terms:
* Duration: Approval is granted for 25 years.
* Consent: NTPC Limited must seek consent from local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways, etc., before erecting the lines.
* Compliance: NTPC Limited must follow regulations and codes related to transmission, OM (Operations & Maintenance), open access, etc., framed under the Electricity Act, 2003.
* Inspection: The lines must be operated after approval from the Electrical Inspector Chief Electrical Inspector of Central Government.
* Electricity Act: Compliance with the Electricity Act, 2003, and its associated rules is required.
* Clearances: NTPC Limited must submit necessary clearances from authorities like Civil Aviation, Defence, etc., at the time of Electrical Inspection.
* GIB Compliance: If the lines fall within the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) potential zone or priority zone, NTPC Limited must comply with the Supreme Court's directives regarding undergrounding of lines or fixing bird diverters.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are:
* **NTPC Limited:** As the recipient of the authorization, NTPC Limited is directly responsible for adhering to the terms and conditions outlined in the order.
* **Local Authorities (local bodies, Railways, National Highways, State Highways):** Whose consent is required for the project.
* **Central Electricity Authority (CEA):** The issuing authority responsible for oversight and enforcement.
* **Electrical Inspector/Chief Electrical Inspector of Central Government:** The inspecting authority whose approval is required before operation.
* **Civil Aviation, Defence authorities:** The authorities from whom clearances are required for the lines.
* **Residents and landowners** along the transmission route.
* **Environmental and conservation groups** concerned about the impact of the lines on GIB habitats.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Electrical Inspector, Civil Aviation authorities, Defence authorities, and NTPC Limited.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The approval is granted for 25 years. NTPC Limited needs to seek consent from relevant authorities and obtain clearance certificates before the lines can be operated, in addition to fulfilling the other conditions of the order. Compliance with Supreme Court directives regarding GIB is also required, implying a potentially complex approval process and possible changes to the transmission plan.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of this order are:
* **Facilitation of Solar Power Generation:** The authorization should enable NTPC Limited to efficiently transmit power generated from its 300 MW solar plant to the grid.
* **Increased Renewable Energy Capacity:** This contributes to the overall renewable energy targets and grid stability through added capacity.
* **Economic Development:** Potential economic benefits for the Nokhra, Bikaner region due to solar power infrastructure development.
* **Environmental Protection:** Although implicit rather than explicit, the conditional compliance with GIB protection measures suggests a mitigation of environmental impact.
**9. Conclusion:**
The CEA order authorizing NTPC Limited to lay electric lines represents a crucial step in facilitating the development of solar power infrastructure in Rajasthan. The authorization is subject to several conditions designed to ensure compliance with existing regulations, minimize environmental impact, and respect the rights of stakeholders. While enabling the transmission infrastructure is critical for the solar project's success, adherence to the conditions, particularly those regarding GIB habitats and obtaining necessary clearances, will be essential for a smooth and sustainable implementation.
Key Entities Referenced
Electricity Act, 2003: An act of the Indian Parliament related to the electricity sector.
NTPC Limited: Applicant seeking authorization for laying electric lines. Formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, it is an Indian public sector undertaking.
NTPC Bhawan, Scope complex, Lodhi Road New Delhi: Registered office address of NTPC Limited in New Delhi.
Nokhra, Bikaner, Rajasthan: Location of the proposed solar plant of NTPC, a town and district in Rajasthan, India.
Indian Telegraph Act, 1885: An act of the Indian Parliament related to telegraphs.
Hindustan Times new Delhi edition: A local newspaper where notice for transmission scheme was published.
Danik Yugpaksh Bikaner edition: A local newspaper where notice for transmission scheme was published.
Danik Bhaskar Jodhpur edition: A local newspaper where notice for transmission scheme was published.
NTPC Limited solar power plant, Nokhra Bhadla II 220KV Pooling Station: Electric line under the transmission scheme Connectivity system for 300 MW.
Rajasthan: State in India where the villages, towns and cities related to the transmission scheme are located.
Kolayat Bikaner: Tehsil and District in Rajasthan, India.
Phalodi Jodhpur: Tehsil and District in Rajasthan, India.
Central Electricity Authority: Authority under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, conferring powers to NTPC Limited.
Supreme Court: The apex court of India. Referenced in relation to an order regarding the Great Indian Bustard case.
GIB Great Indian Bustard: A bird species for whose protection measures are being implemented.
Rakesh Goyal: Secretary of the Central Electricity Authority.
रजजस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-22072022-237447
xxxGIDHxxx
CG-DL-E-22072022-237447
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग III—खण् ड 4
PART III—Section 4
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 369] नई ददल्ली, बृहस्ट्प जतिार, जुलाई 21, 2022/आषाढ़ 30, 1944
No. 369] NEW DELHI, THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022/ASHADHA 30, 1944
केंद्रीय जिद्यतु प्राजधकरण
आदेि
नई ददल्ली, 16 जून, 2022
फा. स.ं CEA-PS-13-13(15)/2/2022-PSPM Division.—जबदक एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड, जजसका पंजीकृत कायाालय
एनटीपीसी भिन , स्ट्कोप कॉम्प्लेक्स, 7 औद्योजगक क्षत्रे , लोधी रोड नई ददल्ली-110033ह,ै ने पारेषण योजना “राजस्ट्थान
के बीकानेर म ें प्रस्ट्ताजित सोलर ्लांट के जलए मेससा एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को 300 मगे ािाट के जलए कनेजक्टजिटी जसस्ट्टम”
के तहत जबजली की तारें जबछाने के जलए जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अतं गता प्राजधकृत करने हते ु आिेदन
दकया ह।ै
और जबदक, के.जि.प्रा., जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार न े अपन े पत्र स.ं CEA-PS-11-21(25)/1/2018-
PSPA-I Division-Part (2)/438/I/12914/2020 ददनांक 30.12.2020 के द्वारा पारेषण योजना “राजस्ट्थान के
बीकानेर म ें प्रस्ट्ताजित सोलर ्लांट के जलए मेसस ा एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को 300 मगे ािाट के जलए कनेजक्टजिटी जसस्ट्टम” के
अंतगता आन े िाली जिरोपरर लाइनों के जलए एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को जिद्युत अजधजनयम की धारा 68(1) के अंतगात पिू ा
अनुमोदन प्रदान दकया था।
एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड न े 07.11.2021 ((हहदस्ट्ु तान टाइम्पस (नई ददल्ली संस्ट्करण), दैजनक युगपक्ष (बीकानेर
संस्ट्करण), दैजनक भास्ट्कर (जोधपुर संस्ट्करण)) के स्ट्थानीय अखबारों तथा भारत का राजपत्र साप्ताजहक ददनांक
22.01.2022 स े 28.01.2022 म ें पारेषण योजना के जलए प्रस्ट्ताजित पारेषण मागा पर प्रकािन की तारीख स े 60 ददनों के
भीतर आम जनता की रट्पजणयों / अभ्यािेदन की मांग करते हुए नोरटस प्रकाजित दकया था । इसके पश्चात, मेससा
एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड न े 08.04.2022 ददनांदकत एक हलफनामा प्रस्ट्तुत दकया, जजसम ें घोषणा की गई दक समाचार पत्रों /
4853 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
भारत का राजपत्र म ें उपरोक्त पारेषण योजना के जलए सािाजजनक सूचना के प्रकािन के 60 ददनों के भीतर जनता स े कोई
आपजि प्राप्त नहीं की गई ह।ै
और अब आिेदक न े जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 की धारा 164 के अंतगात पारेषण योजना “राजस्ट्थान के बीकानेर
में प्रस्ट्ताजित सोलर ्लांट के जलए मेससा एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को 300 मेगािाट के जलए कनेजक्टजिटी जसस्ट्टम” 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 अंतगात टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ह।ै
पारेषण योजना के अंतगात जनम्नजलजखत जिरोपरर लाईन ह:ैं
1. एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड सौर ऊजाा संयंत्र, नोखरा - भादला II 220 केिी पूहलग स्ट्टेिन हसगल सर्ककट लाइन
(नोजमनल िोल्टेज पर 300MW के जलए उपयक्तु ) जिद्युत उत्पादन की ओर संबद्ध बे के साथ।
स्ट्कीम के अंतगात जिरोपरर लाईन जनम्नजलजखत गांिों, नगरों और िहरों स,े उनके ऊपर स,े उनके आस-पास स े तथा उनके
बीच स े गुजरेगी:-
1. राज्य: राजस्ट्थान
क्र. स.ं गािाँ का नाम तहसील/ जजला
तालकु ा
1. पैथडो की ढाणी, जगराजसर, देिडों की ढाणी, जेतूंगों की ढाणी, हिभू का बुज,ा कोलायत बीकानेर
सोलंदकयो की ढाणी, कुम्पहारों की ढाणी एि ं नोखडा
2 जखदरत, कानहसह की सीड , बडी सीड एि ं मालम हसह की सीड फलौदी जोधपुर
अब, सािधानीपूिाक जिचार करने के पश्चात, केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण, जिद्युत मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार,
एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को उपरोक्त जिरोपरर लाइनों को लगान े के जलए ि े सभी िजक्तयां जनम्नजलजखत जनबंधनों एि ं ि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 होन े िाली टेलीग्राफ लाइनों और खंबों या उनके रख-रखाि के जलए भारतीय टेलीग्राफ अजधजनयम,
1885 के अतं गता टेलीग्राफ प्राजधकरण के पास ह-ै
(i) यह अनुमोदन 25 िषों के जलए प्रदान दकया जाता ह।ै
(ii) आिेदक को प्रस्ट्ताजित लाइनों की स्ट्थापना स े पूिा संबंजधत प्राजधकाररयों अथाात् स्ट्थानीय जनकायों, रेलि,े
राष्ट्रीय राजमाग,ा राज्य राजमागा आदद की सहमजत प्राप्त करनी होगी।
(iii) आिेदक को जिद्युत अजधजनयम, 2003 के तहत समुजचत आयोग के द्वारा तैयार दकए गए पारेषण, ओ एडं
एम, ओपन एक्सेस आदद के जिजनयमों/संजहताओं का पालन करना होगा।
(iv) आिेदक 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) एनटीपीसी जलजमटेड को जिद्युत जनरीक्षण के समय जिमानन एि ं रक्षा प्राजधकरणों इत्यादद, स े अपेजक्षत
अनुमजत को प्राप्त करन े के बाद, इस े केंद्रीय जिद्युत प्राजधकरण को जिद्युत जनरीक्षण के समय प्रस्ट्तुत करना
होगा।
(vii) यदद उपरोक्त ओिरहडे लाइनों का मागा (या उपरोक्त ओिरहडे लाइन के माग ा का कुछ भाग) मानजचत्र म ें
जचजननत जीआईबी संभाजित क्षत्रे (या प्राथजमकता क्षत्रे ) म ें आता ह ै जो माननीय सुप्रीम कोट ा के
जीआईबी (ग्रेट इंजडयन बस्ट्टड)ा मामले के संबंध में 2019 की याजचका संख्या 838, आदेि ददनांक
19.04.2021 का जहस्ट्सा ह ै| आिेदक को उपरोक्त ओिरहडे रांसजमिन के भूजमगत होन े के संबंध या बड ा[भाग III—खण् ड 4] भारत का राजपत्र : असाधारण 3
डायिटार लगान े के जलय,े 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, के.जि.प्रा.
[जिज्ञापन III/4/असा./191/2022-23]
CENTRAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORITY
ORDER
New Delhi, 16th June, 2022
F. No. CEA-PS-13-13(15)/2/2022-PSPM Division.—Whereas M/s NTPC Limited, the applicant with its
registered office at NTPC Bhawan , Scope complex ,7 industrial Area ,Lodhi Road New Delhi-110033, has applied
for authorization under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 for laying of electric line under the transmission
scheme “Connectivity system for 300 MW to M/s NTPC for its proposed solar plant in Nokhra ,Bikaner, Rajasthan”.
And whereas, CEA, Ministry of Power, Government of India vide its letter no. CEA-PS-11-21(25)/1/2018-
PSPA-I Division-Part (2)/438/I/12914/2020 Dated 30.12.2020 granted prior approval under section 68(1) of the
Electricity Act, 2003 to M/s NTPC Limited for the overhead lines covered under the transmission scheme
“Connectivity system for 300 MW to M/s NTPC Limited for its proposed solar plant in Nokhra, Bikaner, Rajasthan”.
M/s. NTPC Limited has published notice for transmission scheme in local newspapers dated 07.11.2021
(Hindustan Times (new Delhi edition), Danik Yugpaksh (Bikaner edition), Danik Bhaskar (Jodhpur edition) and in
Weekly Gazette of India dated 22.01.2022 to 28.01.2022 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 08.04.2022 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 him, 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 for 300 MW
to M/s NTPC Limited for its proposed solar plant in Nokhra,Bikaner, Rajasthan”. The following overhead line is
covered under this transmission scheme:
1. NTPC Limited solar power plant, Nokhra – Bhadla II 220KV Pooling Station S/c line (suitable for 300MW at
nominal voltage) along with associated bay at generation end.
The above overhead line included under the scheme will pass through, over, around and between the
following villages, towns and cities:
State: - Rajasthan
S. No. NAME OF VILLAGE TEHSIL/TALUK DISTRICT
Pethado Ki Dhani, Girajsar , Dewdo Ki Dhani, Jetugo ki Dhani,
1. Shimbhoo Ka Burj, Solankiyo Ki Dhani, Kumharo Ki Dhani and Kolayat Bikaner
Nokhra
2. Khidrat, Kanji Ki Sird, Bari Seer and Malamsingh Ki Seer 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 to M/s NTPC Limited for laying above overhead
line, 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 subject to following terms and conditions for installing the above mentioned lines, namely:
(i) The approval is granted for 25 years;
(ii) The Applicant shall have to 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 have to follow regulations/codes of the Appropriate Commission regarding
transmission, O&M, open access, etc., framed under Electricity Act, 2003.4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART III—SEC.4]
(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 NTPC Limited shall have to 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. CEA
[ADVT.-III/4/Exty./191/2022-23]
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