VIJAYAWADA: Director (projects) of AP Transco S Subramanyam has said that the World Bank will release Rs 682 crore for establishing 132 and 220 KV sub-stations across 10 districts in the state.
At a workshop on environment and social management framework here on Saturday, the officials said that the fund will also be used to strengthen the existing transformers, laying of new power lines, purchasing tower spotting software and other works. He said they are holding meetings with farmers, NGOs and other stakeholders from Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and other districts to study environmental and social impact.
World Bank consultant from K P M G K Sandeep said that steps are being taken to establish sub-stations at government lands. "We are trying to avoid lands belonging to farmers to build sub-stations as much as possible. They'll be set up in government lands itself. However, if it is inevitable we will pay requisite compensation to farmers," he said.
Member of the state water resources apex committee Alla Venkata Gopalakrishna Rao said farmers in the capital region are ready to extend their support for setting up of 132 and 220 KV sub-stations. He said compensation should be paid as per the market rate so that no farmer will stand to lose.