Nellore: The Gayatri Renewable Energy Ethanol Power Plant project began in Kovur Assembly constituency on Sunday with the laying of its foundation stone at the IFFCO Kisan SEZ near Regadichilaka village in Kodavalur mandal, marking a key step in the region’s industrial growth, Deccan Chronicle reported.
The plant, coming up with an investment of Rs 260 crore, is seen as a long-awaited development for farmers who had given their land nearly 30 years ago for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ). For many of them, the launch of the project marks the fulfilment of a promise they had hoped would bring industries and jobs to the area.
Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy laid the foundation stone along with Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy, Rajya Sabha MP Beeda Masthan Rao and MLC Beeda Ravichandra. The leaders jointly unveiled the plaque at the project site.
Speaking at the event, Prabhakar Reddy said the plant represents the realisation of a three-decade-old dream of local farmers. He said he had repeatedly approached the IFFCO leadership in New Delhi to bring industries to the SEZ and added that it was a proud moment to see the first major unit begin during his tenure.
The ethanol plant is expected to provide direct employment to around 200 people and create indirect job opportunities for another 500 to 700 individuals. It will require nearly 1.5 lakh tonnes of grain every year, which is expected to benefit farmers in the surrounding region.
MLA Prasanthi Reddy termed the project a strong start to Kovur’s industrial growth. She said the efforts of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh played a key role in bringing the investment. She assured that the constituency would extend full support to future investors and urged them to give preference to local youth in jobs.
Rajya Sabha MP Beeda Masthan Rao said the plant, which will produce ethanol blended up to 20 per cent with crude oil, reflects the State’s plan to link agriculture with industry. MLC Beeda Ravichandra said farmers who gave land for the SEZ should receive due benefits and called for collective efforts to set up a Skill Development Centre under the VPR Foundation to train local youth for jobs in upcoming industries.
