Naidu's mega plan for power generation

Hyderabad, Dec 26 (INN): Keeping in view of the future requirements of power due to expected huge investments in Andhra Pradesh from various national and international agencies and rapid development of the State, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has emphasized the need to work out modalities to expedite the construction of power projects to meet the increasing demand which is expected to be around 15 per cent.

While giving green signal for taking up of this gigantic programme of realizing the targeted new generation capacity of around 15,869 MW in the next five years, the Chief Minister directed officials to work round the clock for achieving the ultimate goal of providing quality, reliable, affordable 'Power For All (24 x 7)' in a sustainable manner.

It is strongly believed that with collective efforts of all the stakeholders, Andhra Pradesh power sector will achieve the targeted generation capacity in a time bound manner.

The Chief Minister, who has reviewed about the upcoming power projects and requirements of power in future with Chief Secretary IYR Krishna Rao, Secretary to CM G Sai Prasad, Energy Secretary Ajay Jain and APGENCO MD & APTRANSCO CMD K Vijayanand, said that he has envisaged vision 2020 while he was chief minister earlier and now contemplating the Vision - 2029 for all round development of the State.

'I think, even 15-year plan is not sufficient and we have to go for at least 50-year planning for assessing future requirements in advance in accordance with the strategy of forward looking countries like China and Japan,' he said.

Chandrababu Naidu said that when he took reins in June this year, the State was reeling under severe power deficit with daily shortage of 22 MU, we have taken several proactive steps and brought down the deficit to 'zero' within 4 months. 'We are confident of sustaining 24 x 7 Power For All (7 hours power supply to Agrl.) on long term basis,' he said.

In this regard, on the eve of conferring Bharatha Rathna, highest civilian award in the Country on Sri Atal Bihari Vijpayee, the Chief Minister remembered an incident happened in February, 1997 on the eve of signing of agreement with M/s NTPC for procurement of power from Simhadri Stage-I, 1000 MW (2 X 500 MW) plant located in Visakhapatnam.

'I had to rigorously pursue with the then Hon'ble Prime Minister Sri Atal Ji for getting 100% allocation of power from Simhadri plant. I even disturbed the, then Prime Minister Sri Atal Ji, at odd hour of midnight to apprise the PM on the necessity of 100% of allocation (dedicated project) from Simhadri plant to AP, which enabled to enter the agreement for the same on 4th February, 1997, a memorable day in my life,' the Chief Minister said.

Now, present Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is giving top priority to the state of Andhra Pradesh in all Central Govt. schemes including Power For All (24X7), has shown the same gesture by allocating the 4000 MW NTPC plant to AP at Pudimadaka in the same district of Visakhapatnam.