Hyderabad: Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka asked the officials to get ready for meeting the power demand due to El Nino effect and asked them to prepare a comprehensive action plan to ensure uninterrupted and quality power supply.At a review meeting of energy department at the SPDCL corporate office on Saturday, he said that uninterrupted power supply must be ensured for drinking water needs and agricultural activities. Vikramarka instructed officials to focus on recovering electricity dues from govt departments and to strengthen financial discipline in discoms by accelerating revenue collection processes.“A plan be prepared to provide solar power facilities to all Anganwadi centres. Taking the model substation developed at Midjil in Mahabubnagar district as an example, modernization of all substations under TGSPDCL should be done in a phased manner,” he said.In view of land constraints for new sub-stations in areas like Kondapur, Gachibowli, and Madhapur in Greater Hyderabad, he suggested coordination with the municipal department to establish substations under flyovers.He also directed expansion of ‘Power Ambulance’ services, modelled on the 108 emergency system, across the state. Vikramarka appreciated the installation of GPS tracking in over 168 vehicles across 21 circles and the provision of rapid services through the command control center at Erragadda.Need to secure new coal blocks for SingareniThe deputy CM stated that Singareni must acquire new coal blocks and enhance its production capacity in line with the growing power needs of Telangana. He asked SCCL officials to obtain all necessary clearances for the recently allocated Tadicherla–2 block and begin production on a war footing within the stipulated timeframe.He said that the previous BRS govt failed to secure new coal blocks, resulting in current limitations in expanding coal production capacity. He said this failure has adversely affected Singareni’s growth.Given the increased electricity demand due to El Niño conditions, he emphasized special focus on coal production, quality, and dispatch, he said.The deputy CM said there was a need to regain Koyagudem–3 and Sathupalli–3 blocks, which were lost due to past decisions, and directed officials to initiate necessary action immediately. These coal blocks, he said, are crucial for strengthening the state’s energy security in the future.ends/
