Uncertainty and delays cloud 100MW solar power project in Jamalpur
Construction of a 100-megawatt solar power plant in Madarganj upazila faces delays and uncertainty. Local residents express housing concerns while officials cite administrative updates and upcoming main works.
The construction work of a 100-megawatt solar power project located in the Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur district is currently facing significant uncertainty and delays. The initiative, officially launched in 2022, is situated on 325.65 acres of land in Kaizar Char of Jorkhali union within Madarganj. According to the original plans, the installation is designed to generate a substantial annual output of 178,274 megawatt-hours of electricity. Furthermore, the infrastructure entails the construction of a 47-kilometer transmission line operating at 132 kilovolts to integrate the power generation effectively.
Administrative developments have continued to shape the timeline of the initiative. On August 19 of 2024, a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a revised version of the undertaking involving a total cost of 1,612 crore and 73 thousand taka. Following this financial revision, Atlanta Enterprise was formally appointed as the new consulting firm for the undertaking on August 25 of 2024.
Despite these administrative updates, local residents are experiencing difficulties related to the initiative's footprint. Approximately 15 to 20 families have been directly affected, with 241 houses reportedly involved in relocation or compensation dynamics. Among the local inhabitants, Sabura Khatun voiced her concerns regarding the provided resettlement arrangements, stating, "A single house has been given for a seven-member family. It is difficult to live there with so many people." Another local resident, Parul বেগম, echoed similar sentiments about the inadequacy of the current provisions.
Addressing the ongoing delays, Jahangir Alam provided an update on the operational status at the site. He stated, "Minor works of the project are ongoing. The main construction work will start soon. It may take a couple of weeks to start. Once the main work starts, the problems will be solved and the work of the project will be completed quickly."
Additionally, Yusuf Ali commented on the future administrative steps required to advance the installation. He stated, "After the approval of the revised project in ECNEC, necessary steps will be taken in consultation with the project director." Meanwhile, the collaborative entities involved in the broader framework include Amara Raja Infra Private Limited and AFRY Switzerland Limited, alongside the newly appointed consultant Atlanta Enterprise, as stakeholders navigate the next phases of development in Jamalpur.
