The solar plant was developed under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat initiative using approximately 7.75 lakh domestically manufactured solar cells and modules. It is projected to generate about 75 crore units of clean electricity annually, offsetting nearly 6.4 lakh tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Expressing gratitude to all stakeholders, NHPC CMD Bhupender Gupta reaffirmed the premier power company’s dedication to expanding its green energy footprint, noting that the project has also boosted the local economy by creating employment opportunities for over 40 local residents in the remote region.

Under his leadership, NLC India has seen a massive transformation, including a fourfold increase in market capitalization and a significant shift toward renewable energy and digitalization. Upon receiving the award, Shri Motupalli dedicated the achievement to the entire NLC India workforce, emphasizing that their collective teamwork is what fuels the company’s success. He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to sustainable growth and enhancing India’s energy security through green initiatives and operational excellence.

Officials also said that India is closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region to ensure energy security and the safety of Indian nationals. Shipping authorities confirmed safe passage of key crude shipments, though minor incidents involving vessels in the Strait of Hormuz were reported without injuries. The Ministry of External Affairs is coordinating with missions and states, while rural development programmes, including MGNREGA, continue uninterrupted to ensure employment and welfare activities remain on track.

The meeting assessed the impact on key sectors such as agriculture, fertilisers, food security, petroleum, and energy, while also reviewing the availability of essential commodities like food and fuel. Discussions included short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to ensure uninterrupted supply and measures to diversify import sources for critical industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister assured that there is no energy crisis in India, with adequate fuel supplies and over 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves. He said the government is maintaining steady oil and gas supplies through global partnerships and has taken steps to support citizens, including evacuation efforts and helplines. Reiterating India’s stance, he called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict while emphasising that national security agencies remain on high alert.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of NTPC CMD Gurdeep Singh, GMDC MD Roopwant Singh, and other senior officials.

Shri Sairam, who is currently serving as CMD of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), will assume charge as CMD of Coal India Limited. His tenure will extend up to 31 March 2028.

Before his appointment as CMD of NCL, he served as Director (Technical) at the Ranchi-based Central Coalfields, where he played a pivotal role in developing coal logistics, First Mile Connectivity projects, Forest & Environment Clearances, and the projectising of greenfield and brownfield mines.

“Sairam has been instrumental in community development initiatives during his stint as Executive Director at CIL. In NCL, his leadership and technical acumen led to projectisation, structuring of project financing, and developing a compensation and R&R framework for shifting of urban township- considered as the largest mining rehabilitation & resettlement programme- for Jayant expansion project,” CIL added.

The decision has been conveyed by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) through the Secretariat of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Government of India. Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Secretariat, and other concerned authorities for information and necessary action.

The appointment is expected to provide leadership continuity at Coal India Limited, the country’s largest coal producer and a key contributor to India’s energy security.