MP working to generate 22K MW power by 2022, says CM on I-Day

Madhya Pradesh has set an ambitious target of generating 22,000 MW power by 2022 and plans to invest nearly Rs 9,000 crore in strengthening the power infrastructure in the next three years.
"We are working on taking the state's energy potential to 22,000 MW by 2022 and in the next three years, we have plans to invest nearly Rs 9,000 crore in strengthening the power infrastructure in the state," Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said addressing a function here on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day today.
Chouhan said said MP is already a power surplus state with availability of 17,169 MW power.

The state is providing 24-hour uninterrupted power to non-agriculture sector and is making efforts for supplying 10-hour dedicated electricity for agriculture purpose.
Referring to non-conventional energy sources, Chouhan said, at present, the state is producing 2,176 MW power from these sources.
He said that subsidised LED bulbs are being given in the state at Rs 85 each and so far 50 lakh such lamps have been made available to the people for use, resulting in power saving worth Rs 1.5 crore daily.

Highlighting the state's financial condition, Chouhan said, "It is because of able financial management that MP has remained a revenue-surplus state in the past 11 years and in last financial year, its GDP growth rate was 16.62 per cent."

On the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement, he said it was a matter of pride that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Yaad Karo Qurbani' programme from Azad Nagar (Bhabhra), the birthplace of noted revolutionary leader Chandrashekhar Azad in Alirajpur district of the state.
Stressing that rural development is among the priority
sectors of the state, Chouhan said in the current financial year, the state government has constructed 5.40 lakh toilets in villages which is the highest in the country.
Indore has become the second district in the country to become open-defecation free, he said.
Referring to roads, he said in 2016-17, a total of 10,868-long km roads will be constructed and upgraded and under the Prime Minister rural road scheme, all rural settlements not connected with roads will be joined with all-weather proof roads.

In order to tackle Naxal problem in Balaghat district, the state has formed Bharat Reserve Battalion in the state to effectively deal with Left Wing Extremism.
Chouhan also highlighted the achievements of his government in health, education, industries, irrigation and agriculture sectors.
Earlier, the state armed forces presented a ceremonial guard of honour to Chouhan on the 70th Independence Day.
Reports of Independence Day being celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety were also received from various parts of the state, including Jabalpur, Gwalior and Indore.