Paschim Medinipur (West Bengal) [India], April 22 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday inaugurated a solar power project with a 112-megawatt capacity in the Paschim Medinipur district while lauding the recent development projects in the State.

She congratulated the German organisers who helped facilitate the project, noting that 80 per cent of the funds are coming from Germany, with the remaining 20 per cent from the State government.

Banerjee emphasised that this is the first project of such scale in Eastern India and that an additional 100 megawatts will be added to the initiative. She further mentioned that the state is ready to support additional solar power projects and has the necessary land and facilities to aid the expansion of renewable energy projects to the Germans.

'I want to congratulate the German organiser, especially those who are present here...who have helped in the development of a solar power project... with a capacity of 112 megawatts... In Eastern India, a significant project is underway for the first time, and it is set to expand to another 100 megawatts. Eighty per cent of the funds are coming from Germany, and the remaining 20 per cent is being provided by the state government. We are ready to help you with your programme of about 100 megawatts more. And if you can do it more, we have the land available, and we can give you all the facilities so that you can build up your renewable energy, green energy project in every way because of their help; we are doing this project,' she said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the benefits of the projects in the region, noting that more solar projects would help reduce the price of electricity over time, adding that although renewable energy projects are costly, the state is taking gradual steps toward expansion.

Banerjee also touched on other development works, such as the laying of foundation stones for two 800-megawatt power projects in Salboni by Jindal, which are expected to generate direct and indirect employment for approximately 15,000 people. Additionally, she noted that Jindal plans to develop a 2,000-acre industrial park to attract international and national businesses.

She added that more than 8 lakh people from the state have also benefited from government schemes.

'In Medinipur, Jhargam, the more solar power projects are established, the less will be the price of the power. Though it is very costly, we will slowly take our steps towards it. Yesterday, we laid the foundation stone for two power projects in Salboni. Two 800-megawatt power projects by Jindal were established. This will create direct and indirect employment for about 15,000 people... Apart from that, an industrial park covering 2,000 acres will be made by Jindal there. So that international, national, and those who are interested in the state, they can do business in that park,' the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

Banerjee assured that Bengal's development continues, citing successful projects like Deocha Pachami, which had eliminated the load shedding issue in the state for the next 100 years and created thousands of employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced that she will visit Murshidabad in the first week of May to assess the situation following recent episodes of violence in the region over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to the death of three people. (ANI)