Vizag has achieved 30% savings through renewable energy solutions: Andhra CM Naidu

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 17 (ANI): Attending the Regional Conference on Environment-2017 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu elaborated on the sustainable development of the state, and claimed that Visakhapatnam has achieved 30 per cent savings through renewable energy solutions.

The Chief Minister said that 50 per cent of the two crore acres of cultivable land in Andhara Pradesh will be used for cultivating crops.

"We are promoting plants not only in the forest area, but even in plane areas so that farmers get income five-six times better, and it will happen in near future," Naidu added.

Focusing on renewable energy and energy saving, Naidu said that the Andhra Pradesh Government has saved 30 to 40 per cent energy in Visakhapatnam by shifting to LED bulbs.

Having received success in energy saving in Visakhapatnam, the "pilot work" done in the city has been compared throughout the state to incorporate saving throughout Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu claimed that the government has already taken Visakhapatnam's success to all walks of life by using LED lights in street lights and villages, and have also distributed two LED bulbs to each house for a nominal cost of Rs. 10.

"Soon, the country will undergo a total change of LED bulbs, and we are going to save Rs. 40,000 crore," Naidu added.

Naidu further said that the government is also incorporating energy-saving pumps and energy-saving devices for cost-effective energy solutions.

In the area of agriculture, the Andhra Pradesh Government has introduced zero budget nature farming, with Subhash Pallekar as consultant and WIPRO as the corporate partner, informed the chief minister.

Naidu further claimed that five lakh farmers of the state have shown interest in the new programme due to less use of chemicals and good income.

Being one of the convenors of the 'Swachh Bharat' committee, Naidu said that the committee has found a solution for solid waste management in waste energy.

"In Andhra Pradesh, we will convert all waste for energy generation in major towns. The cost is nominal and solid waste is also disposed," said Naidu.

Meanwhile, to bring solid waste management in rural areas, the government has introduced the conversion of solid waste into compost.

"It's working well, and in two to three years time, all solid waste of the state will be disposed," added Naidu.

The chief minister also said that one day of every month will be celebrated as Swachh Andhra Pradesh day to discuss and come up with ideas for cleanliness and environment sustainability.

Naidu also talked about the status of open defecation in Andhra Pradesh.

"Last year, we achieved the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in 100 per cent municipalities and 4,000 villages. By October 2, 2018, we will achieve the ODF status in all villages of the state," he said.

Naidu also elaborated on the use of technology in development.

"Today, we are able to give 100 per cent power supply and gas supply to all houses. Technology is helping in a big way," he said, and added that technology is used for real time water level monitoring, which can help prevent damage from rainfall, cyclones, and thunderbolts.

Attributing the clean city status of Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Tirumala to technology, Naidu added that the government is working towards the same direction in villages too. (ANI)