We have convincing indications that the Indian State has of late become alive to the sensitive border we have with China in Ladakh region. For some time in the past, Indian Government has been focusing on strengthening this northern border militarily and also in terms of development of infrastructure. China has already, and in good time, decided and acted what it should do on its side of the border. It has raised the infrastructure to high level. It has brought asphalted road close to its border; it has brought power and transport facilities to the border area and the civilian population, though sparsely inhabiting the arid region, enjoys many facilities. Above all, the railway line connecting Beijing with Lhasa in Tibet has great strategic significance for China.
Not only that, China has now been penetrating into Gilgit and Baltistan where she has undertaken vast projects of development and infrastructure building. This has become a compulsion for India to match the developmental level of China in the region. Of course, India has woken up to its requirements in the region very late. However, one significant change that we see in India’s latest policy for its northern border is that it does not take only security concerns into account but also the requirements of the civilian population that is living in very harsh physical and climatic conditions in the heights of Ladakh. More recently the Union Government has decided to install small 20 mw solar power projects close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Ladakh to help Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) light up the LAC and man it in better and effective manner and keep strict surveillance on the other side. We have a long border line in this region with China. It is not that easy to maintain vigil on this long border. As such the new thinking with the policy planners is that the small solar power projects will be helpful in more than one way. Firstly, it will help in keeping night vigil on the border against clandestine intrusion. Secondly, it will also pave the way for providing electric power to the small habitats all along the border.
Entire Ladakh and Kargil districts have been experiencing acute shortage of power. Despite various efforts, this deficiency has not been made good. The scheme of installing small solar power generating system along the LAC has the civilian component also added to it. Wherever feasible, the civilian population will also be the beneficiary of these projects. But the identification of civilian areas and habitats has to be finalized by the State Government. Incidentally, it is understood that the scheme will also encompass the border with Pakistan in Kargil. As such three purposes are served viz. vigil on Sino-Indian border in Ladakh, Indo-Pak border along Kargil line and thirdly possibility of providing electric power to the deserving local population. This is yet at the elementary stage. Nevertheless, we appreciate the idea and sooner it is floated the better. Apart from the sense of matching the preparedness of China in Ladakh sector, India has the civilian population of the area in view that have to be provided with some relief in otherwise very harsh climatic conditions.
Sine long we have been hearing that Ladakh has potential for expanding the industry of solar power generation. But there is more of speaking and less of practical input. If it was true and the intentions of the Government were clear, then solar power for home consumption should have by now become very popular and widespread function of the state power department. Words need to be translated into practice. Union Ministry for Energy has issued instructions in this behalf and asked the State Government to identify the sites along the LAC and then with the cooperation of the State Government the initiative will be taken. Entire expenditure to be incurred on the project will be borne by the Ministry of Power but all agencies involved in floating the project shall have to be taken on board. We highly appreciate the decision of the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Defence that have been the kingpins in finalizing this novel venture. The State Government, too, has felt happy that this far reaching decision has been taken which must the another component in making entire Ladakh prosperous. Now that the announcement has been made, we appeal to the concerned to issue orders for the commencement of work on the project. It should not be left to speculation for yeas at end as to when the solar power generators will begin to function at the end of the day;
Finally, as this scheme will be floated at some near future time, its completion should be brought up within the stipulated time and not deferred year after year.
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