Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav declared on Monday that state-run tubewells would be powered by solar energy so that electricity generated through conventional methods could be diverted to other areas where it is needed more.
“The UP government has initiated several steps to preserve energy as a unit of energy saved, is energy generated. Hence, the government is mulling over running all state-run tubewells by solar power,” Yadav sad in Ghazipur. He had gone there to condole the death of former minister Kailash Yadav.
The Chief Minister said that his government had formulated Solar Power Policy that extends support to private players wanting to set up solar power units. “Many companies have already set up units and several others have shown their willingness to do the same,” Yadav said.
He said that the new power stations have been set up to increase power generation. “The government is committed to providing a minimum of 16-hour power supply in rural areas and 22-24-hour supply in urban areas. We have our projects in place and I am satisfied with the progress,” Yadav said.
“The sovernment is also encouraging people to use lED bulbs at homes. This will not only reduce power load but also cut down on bills. The government is providing subsidized lED bulbs too,” the CM said adding that new sub-stations are being set up across UP to ensure better transmission and distribution of power.
Yadav said there is all round development in the state. Villagers are being encouraged to take up Kaamdhenu Scheme. Ghazipur can bring ‘white revolution’ as the government has provided marketing support to the people selling milk.
“Two buses operate daily to ferry people from their villages to the market where they can sell milk at competitive price,” he said. The CM also talked about food processing units that his government has started in villages which are not only giving employment to youth, but also helping the farmers to diversify.