We are looking for alternatives to set up Mannavaram Thermal project: Minister Mekapati Goutam Reddy

Industry and Commerce Minister Mekapati Gautam Reddy said setting up of companies to meet local needs was a priority. YSRCP MLA Anam Ramnarayana Reddy questioned in the Assembly on Thursday about the cancellation of manufacturing units in connection with the construction of Mannavaram NTPC-BHEL Power Project Limited. This project is just 2km to his Venkatagiri constituency. Asked what the government is doing with regard to the Mannavaram project.

Responding to the question, the minister said that they too have affiliations with Venkatagiri and that they too are from the area. NTPC-BHEL Thermal Projects will be set up in Mannavaram project. "NTPC will serve as a power generator while BHEL will produce products for Thermal projects. But now we are looking at alternatives, " he said.

Electronic manufacturing clusters are being brought in the Srikalahasti constituency, said Minister Mekapati Gautam Reddy. The company is already in talks with another company, EMC-3 is about to start there. It has already been announced that the EMC-1 has come. The EMC-2 has been announced and soon the EMC-3 will also be expanded. Coming to Venkatagiri, he explained that there are positives like traditional handloom and handicrafts.

" If the NTPC does not set up a solar plant unit in the land, we look for alternatives. The government emphasizes the creation of sophisticated business opportunities, " minister asserted. He recalled Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy words of development in backward areas. Mekapati Gautam Reddy replied that he would also seek centres help in this project.