Alluri Sitarama Raju: For the first time, electric bulbs glow in remote Gudem

Alluri Sitarama Raju: It took decades for the people of Gudem to see an electric bulb glowing.

Thanks to Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the remote tribal village of Gudem, nestled deep in the forests of Rompalli Gram Panchayat in Anantagiri Mandal, has been electrified for the first time.

For the people of Gudem, Karthika Pournami was a night when darkness finally gave way to light — both literally and symbolically.

Located nearly 50 km from the mandal headquarters, Gudem consists of 17 tribal habitations that have long been deprived of basic amenities such as roads, safe drinking water, and electricity. For generations, the villagers lived in isolation, spending nights in fear of wild animal attacks and appealing in vain to officials for help.

Five months ago, the residents approached Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan with their plea to bring electricity to their village. Moved by their plight, he directed officials to take immediate action. Responding to his instructions, the Alluri District Collector and officials from the Power Department launched an ambitious plan to provide power to the forest village.

To make this possible, electricity lines had to be laid for a distance of 9.6 km through rugged forest and hilly terrain — a task estimated to cost over ₹80 lakh. A total of 217 electric poles were erected, and supply was extended to all 17 habitations. Solar panels and a separate transformer were also installed to ensure a stable power supply.

Under the PM Janman scheme, a hybrid solar and wind power generation unit costing ₹10.22 lakh was set up — the first of its kind in a tribal village. Each household received five LED bulbs and a fan as part of the programme. The entire project was completed in just 15 days, with officials and workers overcoming extreme challenges, including carrying poles by hand and digging through rocky terrain.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan said the successful electrification of Gudem village reflects the commitment of the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to provide basic amenities in remote tribal regions. He expressed gratitude to Power Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, APCPL Chairman and Managing Director Prithvi Teja, and all Power Department staff who made the project possible.

On Karthika Pournami, while the moonlight illuminated the forest, electric lights shone for the first time in Gudem’s homes — a historic and emotional moment for its people.

The tribals celebrated the milestone with immense joy, performing traditional rituals and expressing heartfelt thanks to Pawan Kalyan by anointing his portrait. Yelamanchili MLA Sundarapu Vijay Kumar, Araku constituency Jana Sena leaders, and Jana Sainiks also visited the hilltop village — accessible only by tractor — to join in the celebrations.