Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the state is giving priority for renewable energy, solar and wind energy.
Releasing a White Paper on energy and infrastructure here on Saturday, the Chief Minister said that by June 2014 the state had deficit of 22.5 million units per day. The solar power per unit stands at Rs 6.50 during 2014 and it came down to Rs 2.70 per unit at present. He said the renewable energy sector recorded 22 per cent growth rate at present.
The Chief Minister said 31,725 solar pump sets were installed in the state by farmers. He said the solar parks were set up in Anantapur, Kadapa and Kurnool with a producing capacity of 4000 MW of power.
World biggest solar park with 1000 MW capacity was set up in Kurnool district. He said over 36,604 people have got employment opportunities in renewable energy sector. He said 6.23 lakh LED bulbs were arranged in 110 municipalies in addition to 20 lakh LED street lights. With this move 30 per cent of energy saved.
The Chief Minister explained that Rs.6,030 crore released towards subsidy to energy sector during 2018-19. The energy sector bagged 137 awards. The government has not hiked power tariff for the past four and half years and decided not to increase power tariff till 2020. He said smart power grid system was introduced to localise power distribution.
Referring to civil aviation sector, the Chief Minister said the air passengers traffic increased from 1.1 million to 5.5 million at present. Civil aviation policy was introduced in 2015. Though necessary lands were allotted for expansion of airports, the central government had been causing hurdles for flight services. “We are unable to operate international services from Tirupati and Vijayawada due to indifferent attitude of central government”, he alleged.
The Chief Minister informed that the AP state reached 173 million units in sea cargo transport. He also said that steps have been taken to develop Bhavanapadu, Kakinada, Machilipatnam and Ramayapatnam ports. He said the state government has been providing internet facility to each house through AP fibernet.
He said Amaravati city, being developed blue and green city, needs Rs.51,000 crore in first phase and Rs.50,000 crore in second phase for development.
Source: UNI
