Andhra CM Seeks Centre’s support for Solar and Defence Hub

• Naidu urged Centre’s support for rooftop solar and clean energy goals.
• Proposed AP as a defence manufacturing hub under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Pitched Polavaram–Banakacherla water project for drought relief.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, along with some Union ministers, met on Friday in Delhi to seek central assistance for key state schemes in renewable energy, defence manufacturing, and water transfer.

Naidu particularly spoke to Union Minister Prahlad Joshi for New and Renewable Energy and requested rooftop solar capacity under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. He also reiterated his targets of installing 20 lakh rooftop units by 2025, fully subsidized for SC/ST households, and partially subsidized for backward caste households.

The Chief Minister stated on his X account, "We discussed a comprehensive roadmap for Andhra Pradesh to emerge as a cornerstone of India's defence and aerospace future. With proposals ranging from thematic defence hubs and DRDO-linked Centres of Excellence to strategic infrastructure and policy innovations, Andhra Pradesh is fully geared to contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Grateful for his encouraging response and assurance of full support".

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"The Polavaram-Banakacherla initiative focuses on sustainable solutions to support irrigation, drinking water, and regional growth. Sought the Centre's full support to take this forward under our long-term vision for #SwarnaAndhra2047", he added on X.

He requested the minister to expedite the approval of proposals submitted by the state DISCOMs in January. According to Andhra Pradesh's Clean Energy Policy 2024–29, it plans to add 72.6 GW renewable energy, 40 GW of which is solar.

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with whom Naidu met discussed a proposal of promoting the state as a defence and aerospace manufacturing hub with integrated defence facilities, revival of manufacturing units, and thematic defence hubs for promoting self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Naidu shared a proposal for the Polavaram–Banakacherla water link project, which will divert surplus Godavari floodwaters to drought-prone areas, with Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil. He assured that DPR preparation will follow and sought its support for timely approval under the national water and development mission.