Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday conducted a high-level review meeting of the functioning of the Energy Department at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhavan, along with senior officials. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of power generation, transmission and distribution, implementation of Central and State government schemes, and issued key directions to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Uninterrupted Power Supply a Top Priority: CM
Addressing officials, the Chief Minister emphasized that electricity is a basic necessity for the common people and ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power supply remains a top priority of the state government. He noted that Chhattisgarh is among the leading power-producing states in the country, and with rising future demand, timely expansion of power infrastructure is essential.
The CM directed that off-grid electrified villages should be connected to the main grid at the earliest and instructed officials to complete strengthening of power infrastructure within the stipulated time-frame.
Focus on PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and Solar Expansion
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as a significant initiative towards power self-reliance. He stressed the need to increase consumer awareness about the scheme and directed officials to:
- Simplify procedures for installation and maintenance of solar panels
- Increase the daily number of solar installations
- Install solar panels on all government buildings
Launch special awareness campaigns to remove misconceptions related to PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and smart meters
Special Action Plan for Pending Electricity Bills
Reviewing the status of pending electricity bills, the Chief Minister instructed the Energy Department to prepare a special action plan that would provide consumers with opportunities and facilities for easy bill payment.
He also emphasized the need to accelerate grid-based electrification in remote areas of Bastar, increase renewable energy generation capacity, and expand transmission capacity in line with rising peak demand.
Infrastructure Upgradation and Ongoing Projects Reviewed
Officials informed the Chief Minister that over the past two years, transformer capacity has increased from 24,227 MVA to 27,820 MVA. Several infrastructure projects are currently underway, including:
- Upgradation of 400/220 kV substations
- Upgradation of 220/132 kV substations
- Upgradation of 132/33 kV substations
The CM also reviewed the progress of key schemes such as Saur Sujala Yojana, KUSUM Yojana, Niyad Nella Nar, and village electrification programs.
Energy Department Presents Future Action Plan
Energy Department Secretary Dr Rohit Yadav made a detailed presentation through a PPT, outlining the current status of:
- Power generation, transmission and distribution
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
- PM Janman Yojana
- Energisation of agricultural pumps
- Majratola electrification
- Renewable energy initiatives
He also presented the action plan for the coming years, which includes establishment of new substations, increasing the number of distribution transformers, and development works such as underground cabling.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The high-level review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Rahul Bhagat, and senior officials of CSPDCL, CSPGCL and CSPTCL.
