Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is setting up a network of Solar-based Electric Vehicle Chargers (SEVC) on the Delhi-Chandigarh Highway.
The first in the series of charging stations was inaugurated by Dr A R Sihag, secretary, Department of Heavy Industry (DHI), in the presence of Atul Sobti, chairman and managing director, BHEL, at Ethnic India Resort in Sonepat, Haryana.
The project is covered under the FAME scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles in India) of DHI. The establishment at regular intervals over the entire 250 kilometre stretch between Delhi and Chandigarh would allay range-anxiety among the electric vehicle users and bolster their confidence for inter-city travel. As part of the project, BHEL has also developed a Central Monitoring System (CMS) for EV chargers with a user-friendly mobile app.
BHEL's scope of work in the project includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply and installation of the EV charging stations along with a Central Monitoring System. Each SEVC station will be equipped with a rooftop solar power plant to supply green energy and EV chargers.
As part of its diversification initiative, BHEL has been expanding its footprints in the e-mobility business. Notably, the company has already installed DC chargers at Udyog Bhawan in New Delhi. BHEL is also executing another commercial order for installation of DC chargers across various locations in the country. ShriJual Oram, Minister for Tribal Affairs launched the Van Dhan scheme for Minimum Support Price (MSP), and Minor Forest Produces (MFP) as well as for development of value chain of MFPs at a National workshop.
ShriJual stated that almost 5.5 crore tribals will be benefited from the scheme. It will offer remunerative MSP for 50 commercially viable items. MSP had been raised by 30 to 40 per cent. This would go a long way in adding to the income of the tribals. Three hundred and seven district collectors have been given responsibility through the state agencies to provide MSP to the tribal gatherers.
He further added that this programme promotes enterprise and marketing skills. It will be a game changer if implemented diligently. At present tribals are getting only 20 to 30 per cent but it will change after Van Dhan which aims to take this share to 70 to 80 per cent.
TRIFED has tied up CSR funds to promote tribal livelihoods. Socially oriented public sector organisations like BPCL, IOCL and SPMCL have sanctioned approximately Rs 10 crore for promoting Van Dhan operations in Barwani, Rajnandgaon, Dewas and Hoshangabad districts of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Representatives from 30 states participated in the workshop where detailed interaction took place about various aspects of the scheme.
