Govt committed to uninterrupted power supply, strengthening SCCL: Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu. File | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Sunday that the state government is committed to ensure uninterrupted quality power supply while strengthening Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).

Addressing the media at Tekulapalli in Bhadradri district, Kothagudem said the government was introducing pioneering social welfare initiatives to improve the dignity and economic empowerment of tribal communities. Under the Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme, free solar irrigation facilities including boreholes and pump sets are provided to tribal farmers.

Accusing the previous BRS government of neglecting SCCL, he said it failed to secure new coal blocks despite knowing that the existing coal mines were depleting.

He recalled that the UPA government had allotted the Tadicherla-II coal block to SCCL in 2013 but the BRS government failed while the BJP-led central government withheld the mining lease.

He said that the present Congress government has secured the coal block by sustained efforts and putting pressure on the Centre.

He alleged that the previous BRS government’s non-participation in coal block auctions allowed the Sathupalli and Koyagudem blocks to go to private players.

Stating that coal mining in scheduled areas should be left to tribal communities or public sector organizations under the Land Transfer Ordinance, Regulation 1/70, he said the state would continue its legal battle against the Centre’s move to “privatise” such coal blocks.

Mr. Vikramarka said the unseasonal weather pushed the demand for peak power from the usual 11,000 MW in July to 16,600 MW during the week, adding that officials have been instructed to ensure 24×7 uninterrupted power supply despite the record demand.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 22:04 IST