Electric Bicycles and Charging Stations Soon in Kuppam, Says Chandrababu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated that any development program in the state would first be piloted in Kuppam before being implemented statewide. Speaking at the launch of a solar pilot project under the PM Surya Ghar scheme in Nadimuru village of Kuppam constituency, he said, “My aim is to provide solar panels to every household in the constituency with a 100% subsidy to ensure uninterrupted electricity.” Chandrababu Naidu further added that Kuppam would be the pilot project for installing solar panels in every house.

Highlighting the significance of self-reliant power generation, Chandrababu Naidu recalled the challenges during his childhood when electricity supply was unreliable. “Back then, we studied under lanterns. Now, with solar panels, electricity can be generated right on our rooftops,” he said. The Chief Minister announced that the government plans to set up solar panels on the rooftops of 2 million households across the state, thereby promoting renewable energy. He emphasized the importance of solar and wind power, stating that these sources could help reduce electricity costs.

Under the PM Surya Ghar initiative, households installing solar panels would receive a subsidy for generating up to two kilowatts of electricity. Chandrababu Naidu explained that while the total cost for two kilowatts would be around ₹1.10 lakh, the government would provide ₹60,000 as a subsidy, reducing the burden on the households. He further noted that such installations could generate about 200 units of electricity per month, of which 60 units could be used by the household while the remaining 140 units could be supplied to the grid. “By contributing surplus power to the grid for four to five years, households can eventually own the panels free of cost, and additionally, they could earn up to ₹5,000 annually,” he said. Chandrababu Naidu assured that maintenance of the panels would be handled by the department, adding that the initiative would enable free electricity for homes and agriculture, significantly reducing energy costs.

Turning to environmental concerns, Chandrababu Naidu said pollution has become a major cause of diseases, including cancer. “We are consuming food grown with chemical fertilizers and breathing polluted air, leading to severe health problems,” he remarked, suggesting that pollution-free living could extend life expectancy to 100 years. He urged people to plant more trees, pointing out that fresh air from greenery promotes better health. The Chief Minister also highlighted the need to recharge groundwater, mentioning that water is available at a depth of 1,200 feet in some parts of Kuppam, and stressed the importance of harvesting rainwater. He promised that by June, the Handri-Neeva project would be completed, bringing Krishna river water to Kuppam. He also announced plans to introduce electric bicycles in Kuppam and set up charging stations similar to petrol bunks.

In a strong criticism of the opposition, Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the constituency, known for its peaceful environment, was disrupted in the past five years by those who created chaos and troubled the residents. “If anyone attempts to stir trouble arbitrarily, I will take strict action,” he warned. Chandrababu Naidu vowed to transform Kuppam into a model constituency for the entire country.