Through her sustained efforts and decisive initiative, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has set Delhi’s power supply on course to become more reliable and robust. By resolving a long-standing issue concerning electricity transmission while ensuring fair compensation for farmers, the Chief Minister has secured a balanced solution. This breakthrough has cleared the way for further strengthening the capital’s power infrastructure.
- The matter concerns an important interstate transmission system (ISTS) project being implemented by the Government of India’s undertaking, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), to bring electricity from Rajasthan to Delhi. The project passes through nearly 20 villages in North and North-West Delhi, including Auchandi, Harewali, Mungeshpur and Qutubgarh. As part of this plan, a sub-station is also to be established in Narela, alongside a network of transmission lines. This will ensure an adequate supply of electricity to Delhi and cater to the city’s growing demand in a stable manner. The Central Government too is keen on this project, as it involves multiple states.
To implement the project, it had been decided to compensate farmers whose land the transmission lines would cross. However, several rounds of discussions failed to achieve consensus over land valuation and compensation rates, thereby risking delays to the project. Significantly, even after receiving compensation, farmers would retain ownership rights over their land.
To break this impasse, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened a high-level meeting recently, attended by senior officials from PGCIL and Delhi Government’s Revenue and Power Departments. The Chief Minister made it clear that her government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers. She emphasised that the success of any project is only possible when there is trust and fair participation from the local community. “We have ensured that farmers receive just and appropriate compensation for the use of their land,” she said.
Following the Chief Minister’s vision of a developed Delhi and her farmer-friendly approach, consensus has already been reached on land valuation and fair compensation in several villages, with others also moving towards agreement.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated unequivocally that this decision marks an important and effective step towards improving Delhi’s electricity system and achieving her government’s goal of ensuring uninterrupted energy supply. She said that the government’s decision not only provides justice to farmers in line with their rightful entitlements but also clears the path for the project’s progress. This outcome will help Delhi meet its rising energy needs in a stable and reliable manner.
The Chief Minister further remarked that this long-standing deadlock has been resolved because her government is not only serious about the capital’s development but also demonstrates firm political will and a sensitive approach to addressing the concerns of farmers and the common public. She emphasised that this step is of historic significance for the energy sector while simultaneously safeguarding farmers’ interests. Going forward, the project will play a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted power supply for Delhi.
