Only 3 power projects of 2007, 2009 VGGIS commissioned

Taking a dig at the investment promises made in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors' Summits (VGGIS), the Gujarat congress - the main opposition party in the state assembly- today attacked the ruling BJP government for poor implementation of the power projects, agreements for which were signed during Vibrant Summits held in 2007 and 2009.

Of the total 114 power generation projects promised during VGGIS 2007 and 2009, only three projects have been commissioned so far, while remaining 112 projects are at different stages of implementation, informed Saurabh Patel, minister of state for industries in a reply to a query raised in the state assembly on Monday.

The leader of opposition, Shaktisinh Gohil said, "The Govt data shows that of the total Rs 4,53,000 crore worth of investments promised, only Rs 5,390 crore could be implemented, which is merely 1.5 per cent of the promised investments."

The minister in his response, informed that large power projects involve development of other infrastructure including roads, water, land, transmission lines etc. Additionally, there are fuel-related constraints as well as technical complications related to set up a plant. This means that usually, it takes around 5-7 years to set up a power plant. But the state government is pro-active in developing the plants, hence there will be faster implementation of the power projects.