Uttar Pradesh gears up to meet power crisis during summer

The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday ordered a complete overhaul of the power scene in the state ahead of the onset of summer, an official said.

Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan said that production of 500MW from Anpara-D electricity project must be started by March 31.

He also directed officials to ensure the timely arrangement of purchasing electricity at minimum rates.

Ranjan asked powermen to ensure minimum line losses and instructions were issued with regard to the complete rural electrification of 1.75 lakh small villages under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme.

Officials said work will be started soon for the construction of 132, 220, 400 and 765 kilo volt power sub-stations for which the land acquisition was underway.

The state has been battling the power crisis for a long time now and despite efforts from successive governments not much change has taken place.