Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday gifted a 400KW solar power plant to Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) for its international cricket stadium in Dhurwa. The Rs 10 crore solar power plant has been constructed in three years. On November 2017, the JSCA signed an MoU with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German federal enterprise for international ties, for a 400 KW solar power plant the deal being a first for the State.
At the inauguration of solar power project, apart from Chief Minister Soren, local hero and former team India captain MS Dhoni too was present. Inaugurating the solar power project, Chief Minister Soren heaped praise on Dhoni for brining Jharkhand in the international map of cricket. He said, “It was a matter of immense pride for the State that under the captainship of our hero MS Dhoni India won two cricket world cups.”
The country and state acknowledge Dhoni’s contribution for brining Jharkhand in international cricket map. Soren said, “Jharkhand is bestowed with natural beauties, resources and human resources, but Jharkhand is yet to find place in the list of developed States. The State can attain progress and development only if the youth took a pledge to work for the development of State.”
The Chief Minister also asked the people to change their mindset and work earnestly for the progress and development of State.
Team India former captain MS Dhoni on the occasion urged the Chief Minister to create best sports infrastructure facilities for youths so that they can excel in sports. MS Dhoni, who has been left out of the BCCI’s central contacts list for players announced recently, reached the stadium at time but was inside gymnasium. He reached the stage only when the Chief Minister Hemant Soren arrived at the venue. The function was to start at 4 pm but was delayed by two hours as the CM was holding an important meeting.
Apart from Dhoni, JSCA former president and ICC Board member Amitabh Choudhary too was present on the occasion.
Sources said with the setting up of 400 KW solar plant the solar power generated at the plant will, be used during non-match days.
During non-match days, the average power consumption at the stadium complex is 500-1,000KW per hour depending on events held. Once the solar plant is commissioned, we will be able to reduce power use by 30-35 per cent.
Also, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) company has installed solar plants at 12 stadiums in Germany. In India, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has already embraced renewable power at its Bangalore stadium. Mumbai Cricket Association, Cricket Association of Bengal and Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association are following suit.
JSCA stadium hosted its 1st ODI match on 19 Jan 2013 between India and England and since then it has hosted several ODI, T20 and Test matches. Ranchi is the only venue for international cricket in Jharkhand after Jamshedpur’s famous Keenan Stadium stopped hosting matches due to squabble between Tata Steel, the owner of Keenan Stadium and Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA).
