Telengana stir hits Goa's power supply
PTI, PANAJI | 16 September 2011 21:31 IST
The power crisis looms large over Goa with Ramagundam Power station in Andhra Pradesh heading for a possible closure due to Telangana stir, state Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira said today.
Sequeira told reporters that the state is already in crisis after Corba Power Plant cut down its supply to the state by almost 150 to 160 MW from state's allocated capacity of 210 MW due to incessant rains in Maharashtra.
Goa has 400 MW power allocation from Central grid of which majority is pulled from Corba power station.
"We pulled resources through NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited which gives us 63 MW supply and through barter deal with Power exchange, we are procuring 50 MW electricity," the minister said.
Even as Goa managed to tide over the shortage since last seven days, a fresh trouble is brewing for the coastal state in the form of Telangana agitation.
Sequeira said that the supply from Ramagundam Station in Telangana is likely to be stopped from tomorrow as the plant is running short of Coal.
"If that happens, then we will be plunged into power crisis," he said.
The power minister further added that industries consume less power on Saturday and Sunday but there can be an issue after Monday.
Goa has been witnessing frequent load shedding these days, the minister admitted stating that the incessant rains have caused disturbance in the distribution lines.
He said the transformers at two sub stations - Thivim and Verna, have failed aggravating the crisis.
Is Goa always going to depend on neighbouring states for these basic energy needs? We have to be independant. We need to have our own power generation. I would like to ask the State Power Minister - is your job limited to negotiations for borrowings? Shouldn't you be getting funds from the Centre for these projects. India has announced huge spending on infra- structure. Now is the best to time to get a slice of the cake if you'll have not already asked. We need more dynamic, forward thinking Ministers. My question to your Sir, is - Are you?
yours truly,
Niz Goemkar