Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also holds the portfolios of Agriculture & Farmers Empowerment and Energy, chaired a crucial review meeting on Monday at Lok Seva Bhavan to assess the progress of various ongoing and upcoming power projects undertaken by GRIDCO.
The meeting focused on Odisha’s efforts to strengthen its power infrastructure and accelerate its green energy transition in line with the national goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to an official press release, Odisha is currently developing a total of 10,960 MW of renewable energy capacity through GRIDCO.
Singh Deo took stock of the progress and delays related to solar, wind, pumped storage, and small hydroelectric projects. He reviewed the specific challenges holding back implementation, including issues around land allocation, environmental clearances, and logistical constraints.
Determined to fast-track the projects, the Deputy Chief Minister personally spoke to concerned officials over the phone during the meeting, directing them to expedite work. He noted that many of the roadblocks had already been discussed and resolved during his recent visit to Delhi, where he presented the matter before the Government of India.
Singh Deo reiterated the state’s commitment to achieving long-term sustainability and emphasized that the renewable energy targets are not just infrastructure goals but key to Odisha’s climate resilience and economic growth.
The review was attended by Principal Secretary of the Energy Department Vishal Kumar Dev, GRIDCO Managing Director Satya Priya Rath, FA-cum-Special Secretary Debidutta Tripathi, Additional Secretary Nibedita Mishra, along with senior officers from GRIDCO, OREDA, and the Energy Department.
The state government has expressed confidence that with renewed focus and inter-departmental coordination, Odisha will make substantial progress in the renewable energy sector in the coming months.