Hike in power production by Dec. mooted

Srikakulam: Proposals are being made to increase the production of power by December this year, informed Minister for Roads and Buildings Dharmana Prasad Rao. He laid foundation stone to a lift irrigation scheme at Gara village on Tuesday that will come up with the help of Trimex Sands Industry. Some 2,400 acres in Arangipet, Ummarvalli, Thonangi, Korni and Gara villages will become fertile through the scheme. On this occasion, the minister said that trials were made to produce 3,000 mw of power through gas-based plants but they were not fruitful. Because of rains the hydro-electric production failed, he said. Because no new power producing plants were set up additional production of power is not possible, he said. According to the Central government Act of 2009, companies should earmark two per cent of their profits for the development of the surrounding areas of the factory as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility and Trimex follows this, he revealed. Impetus has been given in the State budget to development of rural areas, the minister said. Panchayat elections will be held at the end of April or May first week, he informed.