In what could be termed as a giant leap towards generating power in eco-friendly way, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday inaugurated a 2 MW floating solar power plant built on Mudasarlova reservoir.

The power plant envisages saving the burning of 1,540 tonnes of coal a year and release of 300 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

As part of the ‘Smart City’ initiative, the solar power plant was built in 20 acres of the reservoir, among the oldest man-made water bodies, on the outskirts of the city, at a cost of ₹11.34 crore. The works were executed by DES Engineers of Hyderabad under the supervision of AECOM, consultants for the Smart City projects. The works for the plant began in May this year and prior to it, the reservoir was de-silted at a cost of ₹ 20 lakh.

As part of the project, solar panels have been installed on bases that floats on water. The bases have bed-like structure at the bottom so that when the water dries up, the panels don’t get damaged.

During his hectic day-long visit to the city, the Chief Minister, after participating in the ‘Jnanabheri’ programme at Andhra University, laid foundation stones for seven other ‘Smart City’ projects worth ₹368.14 crore.

Park for all

In the evening, Mr. Naidu inaugurated the first-of-its kind ‘All-Abilities’ park that has facilities for the differently abled. Developed by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) as part of Smart Cities Mission, the park was constructed at the cost of ₹3.5 crore. Of the 27 play equipment available at the park, eleven are exclusively meant for differently abled children. Palm-wheel, leg-roller and shoulder-builder are some facility among them.

Deputy Chief Minister N. China Rajappa, HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, MP Muttamsettti Srinivasa Rao, Government Whip P.G.V.R. Naidu, MLAs, MLCs and Municipal Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan participated in the programme.