Jalud Solar Plant is a national achievement: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the inauguration of the Jalud Solar Power Plant is a significant achievement not only for Madhya Pradesh but for the entire country. He stated that the project is converting solar energy into electricity, benefiting the Indore Municipal Corporation. With a capacity of approximately 60 MW, the project has received full support from the Government of India.

Developed through the Green Bond scheme, the project has made citizens partners in investment. Operating on a PPP model, it is the first of its kind in the country, making it a national milestone credited to Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed the gathering after inaugurating the 60 MW solar power plant built at a cost of ₹271 crore in Jalud, near Maheshwar in Khargone district. He also visited and reviewed the facility.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that under this project, individuals can purchase up to 10 bonds of ₹1 lakh each, earning approximately 8% returns over a period of 20 years. These bonds can also be sold if needed, providing an opportunity for citizens to earn from home. He stated that Madhya Pradesh provides the cheapest electricity. Power generated in the state is also used to operate metro trains in Delhi. The foundation stone of the Jalud Solar Power Plant was laid in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A short film showcasing ongoing green energy initiatives in the state was also screened during the event.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted that the Jalud Solar Power Plant will provide dual benefits—supplying electricity to Indore Municipal Corporation while reducing carbon emissions. He described green energy innovation as the best path forward in power generation. He stated that the project cost will be recovered within 10 years, after which the next decade will generate pure returns. Emphasising the state’s progress, he remarked that Madhya Pradesh has moved far from a time when power cuts were frequent and electricity availability was limited.

Madhya Pradesh Leading in Science and Technology Initiatives

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also highlighted the state’s advancements in science and technology, including the development of the Vedic Clock based on ancient knowledge with support from the state’s Science and Technology Department. After its installation in Ujjain and later at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the clock has gained national attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently observed the Samrat Vikramaditya Vedic Clock at the temple. Plans are underway to install similar clocks at all twelve Jyotirlinga sites across the country.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Maheshwar–Mandlehwar region has historically been a centre of knowledge and intellectual discourse. He recalled the famous debate between Mandan Mishra and Adi Shankaracharya, where Mandan Mishra’s wife served as the judge, an early example of women’s empowerment in Indian history. He also praised Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar for her contribution to the restoration and development of temples across the country during challenging times.

Indore Scripts a New Chapter in Green Energy

Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat said that the inauguration marks a new chapter in Indore’s history. He stated that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global hub of green energy, which is being carried forward by Chief Minister Dr. Yadav.

Member of Parliament Shri Shankar Lalwani highlighted India’s leadership in the global green energy sector. MLA Shri Rajkumar Mev expressed gratitude for development initiatives in the Maheshwar and Indore regions.

First Solar Plant Built through Public Participation

Indore Mayor Shri Pushyamitra Bhargav stated that the Jalud project is the country’s first solar power plant developed through public participation via Green Bonds. The Indore Municipal Corporation is the first urban body in India to raise funds through this mechanism, with contributions from 28 states.

He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, all obstacles in the project were resolved efficiently, making the vision of a people-participation-based solar plant in Maheshwar a reality.

Rajya Sabha Member Shri Sumer Singh Solanki, MLAs Smt. Usha Thakur, Shri Mahendra Hardia, Shri Sachin Birla, Shri Ramesh Mendola, Shri Golu Shukla, Shri Madhu Verma, along with other public representatives and a large number of citizens, were present at the event.