JDS stages dharna in Assembly for probe on purchase of power

JD-S members today staged a protest in the well of the Legislative Assembly, demanding a House Committee probe into the sharp rise in power purchase during 2008-2009. The members stormed into the well protesting Energy Minister D K Shivakumar's refusal for a House Committee inquiry, that led to adjournment of the House amid din for some time.

Raising the issue during a debate on the power situation, former Chief Minister and JDS Floor Leader H D Kumaraswamy alleged that over ~1,327 crore was spent to purchase 41,821 million units of power in 2008-09, a drastic rise from ~28.51 crore in 2007-08.

Kumaraswamy accused the previous government of corruption in the purchase of power. Shivakumar countered it, saying Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Authority decides on the purchase of power and the process is tendered. "Power purchase depends on demand."

Basavarajraya Reddy, a ruling party legislator, reiterated his demand for a white paper on the power situation. Earlier in his reply, Shivakumar said the government is committed to provide required power to farmers.

On obstacles in setting up power generating units, the minister urged farmers, protesting against the Kudgi thermal power generating unit in Bijapur district, to withdraw the stir and cooperate with the government. The Kudgi plant would generate 2,000 Mw at a lower price, he added. He also said Bidadi Gas-Based Power Project has not taken off because of a court case.

"We have an agreement with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL).If we don't start purchasing from them, we have to face the music," he said. The power plant will use liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Dabhol Gas pipeline. He also said government has asked Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd to set up a gas-based plant in Yelahanka.

Shivakumar said Bangalore needs a dedicated power supply station, for which the government has floated an Expression of Interest to set up a 250 MW power station some 150 km away from here. "This will be linked to the state grid," he added.