Bhatti urges Centre to allocate 4,000 MW solar power plants to Telangana

Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka | Photo Credit: File Photo

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has urged the Central government to allocate 4,000 MW solar power plants with capacities ranging from 500 kW to 2 MW to Telangana under the PM-KUSUM component A as agreed earlier.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern over reports that the allocation to the State is being revised and reduced to 1,000 MW after the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s EOI (expression of interest) period. Reduction in the agreed allocation would severely impact the State’s renewable energy targets.

Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka called on Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Tuesday and urged the Centre to reconsider the moves to reduce the allocation in view of the achievements made by Telangana in the renewable energy sector. He requested the Union Ministry to allocate one lakh solar pumpsets under component B of PM-KUSUM scheme to Telangana as a permanent solution to the problems faced by the agriculture sector in the State. A detailed project report in this regard was already submitted to the Centre through the TSREDCO and the State was prepared to contribute its share of funds required in this direction.

He highlighted the challenges like restrictions under forest laws on laying power lines in tribal farming areas and sought the Centre’s sympathetic support to overcome them. Mr. Bhatti Vikramarka requested the Centre to allocate two lakh pumpsets to Telangana under component C of the PM-KUSUM scheme explaining that lakhs of pumpsets were currently being used to cater to the agricultural needs in the State. The Centre’s support was essential to reduce the burden on the conventional electricity sector.

He informed the Union Minister that Telangana achieved the highest annual growth rate in agriculture and emerged as rice bowl of the country due to its proactive policies and impressive food grain production. Briefing the Minister about flagship schemes like Rythu Bharosa, he sought the Union government’s further support enabling the State to achieve greater feats in the agriculture sector.