Telangana urges Centre to allocate 3 lakh solar pump-sets under PM-KUSUM
HYDERABAD
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who handles the portfolios of Energy and Finance, has requested the Centre to allocate a large number of solar pump-sets to Telangana to encourage it for excelling in the renewable energy sector and to strengthen the agriculture sector.
Mr. Vikramarka made the request with Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Tuesday. He also appealed for more allocations to Telangana under the KUSUM-A scheme as part of the three key representations made to the Union Minister.
He explained to the Union Minister that the State government was implementing a robust action plan to strengthen the renewable energy sector in light of current and future agricultural power needs, including uninterrupted electricity supply.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister's office, a request was made for allocation of 4,000 megawatt capacity solar power plants under the PM-KUSUM Component-A (capacity ranging from 500 KW to 2 MW). Mr. Vikramarka brought to the Union Minister's notice that there were reports about revising the capacity from 4,000 MW to 1,000 MW and said such a reduction would severely impact the State's renewable energy targets.
In another request, Mr. Vikramarka requested the Centre for allocation of 1-lakh solar pump-sets under PM-KUSUM Component-B to provide for a permanent irrigation solution to the agriculture sector in the uncovered areas. He mentioned that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project was already submitted to the Centre through TGREDCO.
He informed the Union Minister that the State was 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.
Seeking allocation of 2 lakh pump sets under PM-KUSUM Component-C, Mr. Vikramarka stated that currently, lakhs of pump-sets were being used for agricultural irrigation needs in the State.
He reminded the Union Minister that Telangana had achieved the highest annual growth rate in agriculture in the country and had emerged as the 'Rice Bowl of India' due to its impressive foodgrain production.
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