Govt assures adequate power, diesel supply to Northwest states

"...Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been asked to ensure availability of diesel in the states, especially in North West India," a statement by the Prime Minister's Office said here.

The government is already supplying three fourth of the unallocated power supply to the Northwestern states including Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

"Power availability for agricultural purposes will be ensured so that yield of rice is not adversely affected," the statement said.

Unallocated power of approximately 300 MW each is being made available to Punjab, Haryana and UP, which represents about 75 per cent of the total unallocated power available for the Northern Region, it noted.

The Monsoon has been erratic so far as rainfall is about 22 per cent less of long period average across the country during June 1 and July 15, this year. Rainfall over North-West areas during the period has been 33 per cent lower than the long period average.

The Northwestern states including Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are granaries for the government as maximum public procurement is made there.