Solar project illuminates tribal hamlets in Prakasam district

Andhra Pradesh government has illuminated remote tribal hamlets in Palutla region of Yerragondapalem constituency in Prakasam district through an off-grid solar electrification initiative. As part of this initiative, solar power facilities with battery storage have been provided to 611 tribal households in Palutla region of Yerragondapalem at an estimated cost of ₹2.86 crore.

Located deep inside Nallamala forest, Palutla tribal hamlets are nearly 60 km away from mainstream habitations and can be reached only after a three-hour journey through forest terrain. For decades, these tribal families lived without access to conventional electricity, relying on limited and temporary lighting solutions.

This issue was brought to the notice of Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar during his visit to the constituency. Recognising the hardship of the tribal communities, he discussed the matter with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who reportedly approved the off-grid solar electrification project.

“Under this initiative, each family in the tribal hamlet has been equipped with one fan, five LED lights, and a mobile phone charging socket, significantly improving their living conditions and bringing sustainable energy to forest hamlets,” the Minister said, after inaugurating the project in Yerragondapalem on Friday night.

Despite challenging terrain and poor road connectivity, he and his team travelled for nearly three hours to reach the six tribal hamlets located in the reserve forest area. The residents welcomed them with traditional dances and cultural performances. The Minister visited several households, interacted with families, enquired about their activities and overall welfare.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ravi Kumar said, “The coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister, is steadfast in its resolve to uplift tribal communities. The government has ensured that even the most remote tribal settlements are not left in darkness. Through this solar initiative, sustainable development has reached Palutla hamlets.”

Meanwhile, tribal residents highlighted the high cost of diesel-powered irrigation and requested solar-powered motors for agricultural use, along with the installation of streetlights in the hamlets. The Minister assured them that all their representations would be placed before the Chief Minister and examined to provide solutions.