India misses power capacity addition target for 2nd yr in row

India has missed the power generation capacity addition target for the second straight year in last fiscal, a report said.
According to a report by the Standing Committee on Energy, the electricity generation target of 17,830 MW and 17,825 MW for the fiscals 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively, were not achieved.
During the last financial year (till February 2015), 15,935 MW was produced against the target of 17,830 MW.
Similarly, during the 2013-14, 17,825 MW of power was produced against a target of 18,432 MW production.
However, in the first year (2012-13) of the current Five Year Plan Period (2012-17), the power generation capacity addition was achieved. The target was 17,956 MW, while the total production was 20,623 MW.

Ministry of Power said the major difficulties faced in the capacity addition programme were delays in land acquisition, poor performance by civil contractors, delays in supplies by BHEL and contractual disputes.

The hydro power projects were delayed due to law and order problems, poor geology, flash floods and difficult terrain, delay in forest clearances, among others.
The Power Ministry said as part of remedial measures, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is monitoring power projects through frequent site visits and critical study of monthly progress reports.
The Ministry is also conducting periodic review of the issues related to supply of power equipment from BHEL.

The central government is also coordinating with the state governments on the progress of projects in their respective states.