AP Genco Awards Anantapur PSP Project to AMR, Sparks Fresh Controversy!
The Andhra Pradesh Power Department has allegedly become a hub for large-scale irregularities and scams. Despite repeated allegations and criticism against the department, senior leaders in the government are reportedly turning a blind eye. According to official sources, this is because everything is being carried out as per instructions from the top. There have long been allegations that an official who has been wielding significant influence in the Power Department over the past few years has played a key role in these developments. As anticipated, highly reliable sources said that AP Genco has awarded the tender for the Pumped Storage Project (PSP) at Kamalampadu in Yadiki mandal of Anantapur district to AMR. The key allegation is that the project estimates were increased by as much as 20 percent. Sources in the department revealed that during the recent AP Genco Board meeting, the tender was approved at nearly 9 percent excess.
Officials said that since a similar project had earlier been awarded to another major company at 9 percent excess, the Anantapur project was also allotted on the same basis. However, this time, instead of taking the decision directly, the AP Genco Board reportedly sent the file to the government to obtain approval from there. According to official sources, several strategies were employed right from the tendering stage. That is why the tender, which was supposed to have been finalized months ago, was repeatedly postponed. A key minister, who insisted that the project should be awarded under his quota, allegedly deployed his team to ensure the desired outcome. Sources further claimed that an MP also intervened on behalf of the minister and helped settle the matter.
TeluguGateway.com had reported on June 17 that the Kamalampadu PSP project in Anantapur district would be awarded to AMR. Officials have now confirmed that the project has indeed been allotted to the company. Department sources said that the deadline for submitting bids for the Pumped Storage Project was extended as many as six or seven times. Instead of awarding the contract at the earliest and ensuring speedy completion of the government-owned AP Genco project, some senior officials are facing allegations that they facilitated the process to ensure that the contract went to their preferred company. There is also discussion within the Power Department that some officials occupying key positions appear to be working in the interests of certain companies and contractors rather than the state.
Sources said that Andhra Pradesh Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K. Vijayanand, who recently fell ill and has been resting in Hyderabad, cleared the project despite being away. He also serves as the Chairman of AP Genco. Department sources further claimed that Vijayanand showed special interest in clearing the project. According to them, the entire process was carried out as part of a pre-planned strategy to ensure that the project was awarded to AMR, and that all necessary behind-the-scenes arrangements had already been made.
