Telangana Stands Second In India In Solar Power

Stating that Telangana stood second in the nation in terms of solar energy production, Power Minister G Jagadish Reddy said that the State would soon occupy the first position if the government's projects bore fruit in the next six months.

Replying to questions raised by Congress and TDP members Vamshichand Reddy and Sandra Venkata Veeraiah, respectively in the Telangana Assembly session during the Question Hour on Wednesday, the Power Minister told the House that the State was producing 1,000 MW from the alternate energy source.

As part of increasing solar power generation, the government called for tenders for power sub-stations, he added.

Reddy also disclosed that the State government formulated plans to provide clean energy to the agriculture sector, and as part of the program 90 pumps were brought into operation in Bangaru Chelaka and Mylavaram villages in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district as an experiment.

"However, we could not provide solar power to farmers in the State. We are also making alternative arrangements for the farmers using solar power on account of failure of power grid. We have also sent proposals to the Centre for its assistance in providing 1,000 MW of power output for lift irrigation projects," he added.

The Minister also said that his department took steps to electrify the SC/ST residentials with solar power.