HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has urged the Centre to allocate 4000 MW solar power plants, one lakh solar pump sets and two lakh pump sets under PM-KUSUM scheme.
The deputy CM met Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi in Delhi on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Vikramarka requested allocation of 4,000 MW of solar power plants, with capacities ranging from 500 KW to 2 MW to the state under PM-KUSUM Component-A, as previously decided.
He informed the Union minister that there were reports of this allocation being revised and reduced from 4,000 MW to 1,000 MW after a review during the expression of interest period. He emphasised that such a reduction would severely impact the state’s renewable energy targets and urged the Centre to reconsider the move in light of Telangana’s achievements in the sector.
DPR submitted
Meanwhile, in order to provide a permanent solution to irrigation issues in the state, Vikramarka requested the Union minister to allocate one lakh solar pump sets under PM-KUSUM Component-B. He mentioned that a detailed project report (DPR) for this project has already been submitted to the Centre through TSREDCO.
He also informed the Union minister that the state is ready to contribute its share of the funds. Highlighting challenges such as restrictions under forest laws on laying power lines in tribal farming areas, he sought the Centre’s sympathetic support in this regard.
He also urged Joshi to allocate two lakh pump sets to Telangana under PM-KUSUM Component-C. He explained that currently, lakhs of pump sets are being used for agricultural irrigation needs in the state. The deputy CM stressed that this support is essential to reduce the burden on the conventional electricity sector.
He recalled that Telangana has achieved the highest annual growth rate in agriculture in the country and has emerged as the “Rice Bowl of India” due to its impressive food grain production. Highlighting the implementation of prestigious programs like Rythu Bharosa, he emphasised that with the Centre’s support, the state could accomplish even greater feats in the agriculture sector.
Sympathetic support
Vikramarka also requested the Union minister to allocate one lakh solar pump sets under PM-KUSUM Component-B in order to provide a permanent solution to irrigation issues in the state. He mentioned that a detailed project report (DPR) for this project has already been submitted to the Centre through TSREDCO. He also informed the Union minister that the state is ready to contribute its share of the funds. Highlighting challenges such as restrictions under forest laws on laying power lines in tribal farming areas, he sought the Centre’s sympathetic support in this regard.