Bihar seeks Centre's help to combat power shortage

Reeling under the massive power shortage, the Nitish Kumar led Bihar government has sent an SOS to the central government. State government has requested union power minister Veerappa Moily to direct NTPC and NHPC to step up their generation.

"Bihar has a central allocation of 1,833 MW," wrote State Energy Minister Vijendra Yadav to the union minister, "but the availability has been consistently lesser than 1,000 MW. This has aggravated the power shortage scenario. Within this inadequate supply, we have to meet several requirements of railway traction, Nepal, Defense, Airport and other vital establishments." The state has an average demand of 2,300 MW. Bihar is also facing the draught like situations, due to scanty of rain in various parts of the state.

 

He wrote, "In this situation, it has become essential to make power available during the prescribed period for irrigation purpose." The unavailability of power is also creating law and order problem for the state government.

"Due to the extremely low supply of electricity, the drinking water supply has suffered leading to public unrest. With the festive season around, it is important to improve availability of power," the minister has written.

Yadav told, "Regular breakdown of NTPC units at Farakka, Kahalgaon and Talachar compounded by lesser generation from Hydel units from chuka, Tala, Teesta and Rangeet have worsened the situation. Lesser power availability is posing a serious threat to industrial growth as well as agricultural production."

He requested union minister to direct NTPC and NHPC to step up their generation and improve the supply to Bihar.