Andhra Pradesh Government is considering supply of power for nine hours to farm sector, said Minister K. Atchannaidu in the Legislative Council here on Monday.
Responding to various queries related to free power to farmers during Question Hour, the Minister said that the Government was bearing Rs.3,186 crore on subsidy towards free power.
He also said that instead of three time slots of power supply to pump sets from 4 a.m to 11 a.m, 11 a.m to 6 p.m., and 9 p.m to 4 a.m., farmers wanted it to be given in two time slots instead of supplying during the night. The proposal is under examination, he said.
Another initiative would be to install quality ‘five star’ pump sets which cost double the conventional ones, but they would help in saving 30 per cent of power. The Discoms were supplying quality pump sets to farmers free of cost and the amount could be recovered in three years through the power saved. Another 1.2 lakh new pump sets would be sanctioned under the NTR Jalasiri and applications had been invited.
Union Government impressed with the initiative, offered to give another one lakh five star pump sets to the State, he said. Demand for solar pump sets too was increasing with 4.5 lakh people applying so far and 10,000 solar pumpsets would be given this year. He positively responded to suggestion to give solar pump sets on subsidy in Anantapur and extend High Voltage Distribution System.
Steps were also taken to ensure quality power supply and prevent break down of transformers due to overload, he said. In the case of breakdown of transformers, standing instructions were given to the department to replace them within 24 hours.
Polavaram
Water Resources Minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao reiterated that Pattiseema was part of Polavaram Project and was taken up with Rs.1,200 crore to bring Godavari water in the interim period till the first phase project is completed by 2018.
He said that Diaphragm wall and spillway works were being speeded up and under Relief and Rehabilitation package, compensation and houses were being constructed in 10 villages including seven submergence villages.
While Union Government was positive about releasing funds for Polavaram, State allocated Rs. 3,360 crore in the budget to speed up the work.
He said that the Polavaram project cost was revised to Rs.16,000 crore in 2011-12 while member Md.Jani said according to latest estimates, Rs.30,000 crore were required for the Polavaram project.
