'Power situation to worsen in state'

The power supply scenario would worsen in Karnataka in two years if proper action is not taken to address the issue of shortage, a leading chamber warned today, calling for drawing up an energy policy.

Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Karnataka State Council S Chandrasekhar said the state is already facing energy shortage to the extent of 10-12 per cent. Stating that addition in generation capacity was not keeping pace with the demand, he said if proper action is not taken now, the power situation would worsen in two years.

Chandrasekhar said transporting coal to Karnataka was “quite a task”, while cost of LNG also currently ruled high. He said the state needed an energy policy which among other things, should specify how much energy would be generated with coal, gas and renewable sources.

Chandrasekhar also said that acquiring land for industrial purposes in Karnataka was a “task” and the government has to address this issue. The state also needs to develop 2-3 minor ports in the public-private-partnership mode.

Asked about the level of corruption faced by industries, particularly the small and medium scale entrerprises, during interface with the government for clearances, Chandrasekhar said the CII has suggested to the government that in areas which attract large investment need to be put in the transparent, e-governance mode.