Bonakal mandal in Khammam district and Kodangal mandal in Vikarabad district are being developed as fully solarised mandals under a pilot project in pursuit of clean energy goals, said Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

The State government is providing a fillip to renewable energy sector by implementing a slew of initiatives to herald solar revolution and transform Telangana into a Green Energy Hub, Mr Vikramarka told reporters in Garlapadu village of Bonakal mandal in Khammam district on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, the Deputy CM inaugurated rooftop solar power systems installed under the Model Solar Village initiative at Chinnabeeravalli village. He also launched solar-powered pump sets installed in farmers’ agricultural fields at Garlapadu.

Mr. Vikramarka said, “These solar power systems would not only provide water for irrigation but also generate surplus electricity that can offer additional income to farmers.”

Outlining various other clean energy initiatives, he said the government has identified around 81 villages as Model Solar Villages and development works are progressing at a brisk pace in these villages.

He noted that solar power plants were established under the aegis of the women self-help groups in Venkatapuram village of Errupalem mandal. The government aims to provide two 1,000 MW solar power projects to Indira Mahila Shakti groups in every district across the State.

He appreciated the special solar sheds designed by the TGREDCO, saying they not only generate electricity in agricultural fields but also serve as rest shelters and storage sheds for farmers.

Citing the significant rise in electricity consumption in the State, he said the government strengthened the transmission system, installed new transformers and increased power generation capacity to meet rising electricity demand. These timely measures helped deliver quality electricity to people without disruption.

On the havoc caused by unseasonal rains, he said the government would procure the wet paddy at MSP to ensure that farmers do not face hardships.

He accused the Centre of neglecting its responsibilities while the State government is procuring every grain produced by farmers. Despite repeated appeals by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy to lift the grain procured by the State government, the Centre remained indifferent, he alleged.

He critcised BRS leader T Harish Rao of spreading false narratives against the Congress government out of frustration of losing power.