In a significant push towards enhancing energy efficiency and sustainable development in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu convened a review meeting at the Secretariat with officials and representatives from key organizations. The meeting focused on the implementation of energy efficiency programs, resulting in the approval of a substantial allocation of ₹150 crore for managing street lights across both rural and urban areas. Specifically, ₹100 crore will be dedicated to rural gram panchayats, while ₹250 crore is earmarked for urban locations.
Naidu underscored the importance of reducing energy consumption and directed officials to ensure that all street lights are upgraded to LED technology, which has the potential to save between 30 to 60 percent in electricity costs. He criticized the previous government for its inaction, claiming it rendered village panchayats ineffective and failed to clear outstanding dues related to street light management.
To enhance the monitoring and management of street lighting, the Chief Minister called for the adoption of innovative technologies. He also proposed the revival of successful policies from the previous Telugu Desam government to lead the state toward better energy efficiency practices.
In a move aimed at reducing reliance on cooking gas, Naidu announced the introduction of electric induction stoves in 55,000 Anganwadi centers, instructing officials to collaborate with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) for the initiative. To streamline street light management further, he ordered the formation of a three-member committee comprising representatives from the Finance Department, Energy Department, and EESL to oversee development reports.
In a noteworthy partnership, the state government signed a memorandum of understanding with EESL to supply energy-efficient appliances to 1.5 lakh homes, with plans to extend services to an additional 900,000 homes. This initiative reflects a unified effort among officials, including State Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar and Municipal Minister P. Narayana, to advance energy efficiency throughout the state.
Additionally, Naidu held a separate review meeting on municipal affairs, focusing on pressing issues such as drinking water supply, waste management, and Tidco projects. He declared waste disposal a mission, aiming to clear a backlog of 8.3 million metric tons of waste left by the previous administration by June. The Chief Minister advocated for the use of drones in waste management and urban planning, as well as the implementation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for parks and infrastructure projects.
Emphasizing the importance of operationalizing waste-to-energy and wealth-from-waste centers, Naidu set a target for all waste management measures to be implemented by the next Gandhi Jayanti. Currently, only 3 million out of 5 million households in urban local bodies have access to sewage services, and he called for the swift completion of tenders for waste-to-energy plants, ensuring that necessary funds are allocated for housing projects.
With these ambitious initiatives, the Andhra Pradesh government is taking significant strides towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Leave a comment