‘Govt committed to uninterrupted power, stronger Singareni’

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has reaffirmed that the people's government is committed to providing uninterrupted, quality electricity to the people while simultaneously strengthening Singareni Collieries, one of Telangana's most prestigious public sector enterprises.

Addressing the media at Tekulapalli in Yellandu Assembly Constituency during his tour of Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts on Sunday, he said that the government was implementing innovative schemes to enhance the dignity and economic empowerment of tribal communities.

The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the previous BRS government neglected Singareni for ten years. He said that despite knowing existing coal mines were getting exhausted and that it takes five to six years to operationalise a new mine, the previous government failed to make any serious effort to secure new coal blocks and deliberately stayed away from coal block auctions. As a result of this negligence, Singareni is now facing difficulties, he said, adding that the institution has remained strong only because of the unwavering dedication and hard work of its employees.

Bhatti Vikramarka stated that immediately after assuming office, the present government reopened long-pending files and fought with the central government to safeguard Singareni's interests. He recalled that the UPA government had allotted the Tadicherla-II coal block to Singareni in 2013, but the BRS government ignored the issue for a decade while the BJP-led central government withheld the lease. He said the present government successfully fought with the Centre and secured the coal block. He also revealed that he personally visited Odisha to expedite forest and environmental clearances for the Naini coal block.

Bhatti Vikramarka further criticised the previous government for not participating in coal block auctions, resulting in the Sathupalli and Koyagudem blocks falling into private hands. Stressing that coal mining in Scheduled Areas should be undertaken only by tribal communities or public sector organisations under the provisions of the 1/70 Regulation, he said the state government continues its legal battle against the Centre's decision to privatise such coal blocks.

Responding to concerns over displaced families affected by Singareni projects, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that the government understands the emotional bond between farmers and their land and would ensure justice to the displaced with compassion and humanity.