Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced that Bonakal mandal in Khammam district and Kodangal mandal in Vikarabad district will be developed as fully solarised mandals under a pilot project.
The announcement came on Thursday during a visit to Garlapadu village in Bonakal mandal. Mr Vikramarka inaugurated rooftop solar power systems at Chinnabeeravalli village under the Model Solar Village initiative. He also launched solar-powered pump sets for farmers in Garlapadu.
Mr Vikramarka said the systems would provide water for irrigation and allow farmers to generate surplus electricity for additional income. The state government has identified 81 villages as Model Solar Villages, with works progressing in these areas. Solar power plants have been set up by women self-help groups in Venkatapuram village of Errupalem mandal.
The government plans to provide two 1,000 MW solar power projects to Indira Mahila Shakti groups in every district. Special solar sheds designed by TGREDCO were praised for generating electricity while serving as rest and storage shelters for farmers.