State to hold key meeting on agricultural pump connectivity; 544 complaints received in Chandrapur over faulty solar pumps
The Government of Maharashtra is considering allowing traditional agricultural pumps in areas where solar-powered systems are not geographically feasible, said Minister of State for Energy, Meghana Bordikar-Sakore, while responding to a half-hour discussion in the State Assembly on July 3.
While the state strongly promotes solar-powered agricultural pumps under its green energy mission, it also recognizes local constraints in implementing solar infrastructure. “Wherever solar pumps are not viable due to geographic limitations, the state will explore traditional alternatives,” said Bordikar-Sakore.
The issue was raised by MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar, who highlighted multiple complaints regarding CRI-manufactured solar pumps installed in Chandrapur district. MLA Shekhar Nikam also participated in the discussion.
Bordikar-Sakore emphasized that the Union Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has set a national goal of generating 50% of electricity through renewable sources by 2030. Maharashtra has aligned with this vision and launched a “solar pump on demand” scheme, providing subsidies to farmers for adopting solar solutions.
Responding to the Chandrapur complaints, the minister revealed that 544 grievances were filed by 183 farmers against CRI-installed pumps, of which 542 have already been resolved. The remaining two pertain to dry water sources, not equipment failure.
The company has been penalized with a fine of ₹13 lakh for negligence. Additionally, in areas where groundwater levels have dropped, booster pumps are being installed to lift water from rivers and surface reservoirs, she added.
The government will soon convene a meeting to take positive decisions on energy connectivity for agricultural pumps, she confirmed.
