Solar Power Lights Up Remote Tribal Hamlets In Prakasam District
Nellore: In a major step towards inclusive development, the Andhra Pradesh government has provided off-grid solar power to remote tribal hamlets in Palutla area of Yerragondapalem constituency in Prakasam district. This allowed electric light to be brought to homes that had been without power for decades.
Palutla hamlets are located deep in the Nallamala forest, about 60 km from the main settlements. They can only be approached after a three-hour journey through forest land.
Acting on the long-pending demand of tribal residents, Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar took up the issue during a constituency visit. He submitted the solar energy proposal to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who immediately approved the project.
Under the initiative, 611 tribal households were provided with off-grid solar power systems with battery storage at an estimated cost of $2.86 billion. Each household has been fitted with a fan, five LED lights and a mobile charging point, significantly improving living conditions in the hamlets.
Minister Ravi Kumar officially inaugurated the facilities on Friday night. Despite the difficult terrain and poor connectivity, the minister and officials walked through the forest to reach six tribal hamlets located in the reserve forest area.
Tribal residents welcomed the team with traditional dances. The Minister interacted with families to understand their concerns regarding health, education, agriculture and welfare.
Addressing a meeting on the occasion, Ravi Kumar said that the coalition government led by Chandrababu Naidu is determined to ensure that even the remotest tribal settlements are not left in darkness. He assured that issues related to road connectivity will be discussed with Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, keeping in mind the forest regulations.
Tribal residents have demanded solar-powered irrigation engines from the minister to reduce dependence on expensive diesel. Ravi Kumar assured them that their representation would be presented before the Chief Minister for positive consideration.
Prakasam collector Raja Babu, Yerragondapalem TD officer Erixion Babu, Giddaluru MLA Ashok Reddy, coalition leaders and senior power department officials were among those who attended the programme.
