Locations for mini hydro power projects in AP finalised

Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Nov 11 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Tribal Power Corporation (APTRIPCO) has identified 90 locations to set up mini hydro power projects in the tribal areas of the state, in partnership with local tribal womens organisations.

Talking to UNI here today, APTRIPCO Managing Director D Kadmiel said that to begin with, hydro projects of one MW capacity would be established at these sites, depending on the viability, by tapping the subsidy provided by the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources.

He said efforts were on, to identify more locations for power projects, which would make use of energy generated from water falls and strong currents.

The government had decided to entrust these mini hydro projects with local tribal women organisations, so that the profits from these projects would benefit development of the tribal areas, Mr Kadmiel said.

Three 1.2 MW mini hydel power projects across Yeleru river, at a cost of Rs 6.2 crore each were under construction, which would cover 15 tribal villages.

Tenders had been invited for two projects of 0.75 MW capacity, each at Devaramadugu and Jeedipalem in Visakhapatnam district across Yeluru river at a cost of Rs 4.15 crore each and for another one of 0,35 MW capacity at Valasampeta across Tandava river at an estimated cost of 2.18 crore, he added.

UNI