Andhra Pradesh: Power Infrastructure Strengthened In Prakasam, Tobacco Farmers Assured Of Support
A semi-indoor substation under construction in Ongole would be commissioned within the next two months: Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar
NELLORE: Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Monday inaugurated a 33/11 kV power substation at Housing Board Colony in Ongole and announced a series of measures to strengthen power infrastructure across the erstwhile Prakasam district. He also assured tobacco farmers of better prices and transparent auctions.
The substation, built by APCPDCL at a cost of ₹3.80 crore, was inaugurated in the presence of MLA Damacharla Janardhana Rao and Joint Collector Kalpana Kumari.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said a semi-indoor substation under construction in Ongole would be commissioned within the next two months. He said 25 new substations are being established across the erstwhile Prakasam district to address low-voltage problems and announced the construction of a 220 kV substation at Yerragondapalem at an estimated cost of ₹70 crore.
Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the government is erecting 240 electricity towers in Ongole to modernise the power distribution network. Ravi Kumar said the state is providing assistance of ₹1.20 lakh per household under the PM Surya Ghar scheme for rooftop solar installations, with additional state subsidy for Backward Class beneficiaries.
He said the government is upgrading power infrastructure to meet future demand and will provide new agricultural power connections and install transformers before the upcoming crop season. He reiterated the coalition government's commitment to supplying nine hours of daytime power to the agriculture sector.
Later, the minister visited the Vellampalli tobacco auction platform at Maddipadu near Addanki and reviewed the ongoing auction process.
He said the issues faced by tobacco growers had been brought to the attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who recently convened a meeting with tobacco-buying companies.
“The coalition government's priority is to safeguard the interests of tobacco farmers. We have urged companies to ensure an average purchase price of ₹200 per kg and directed that every company participate in the auction process,” the minister said.
He added that the government is taking steps to prevent low bids at auction platforms and appealed to tobacco-buying companies to support farmers during the marketing season.