NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government's failure to enter into power purchase agreements with Himachal Pradesh and other power supplying States coupled with lack of sufficient rainfall and snow during the winter months in the hills is already creating ripples in the Capital's administrative circles. The authorities have pressed the panic button as the city seems heading for an "acute shortage of water and power'' during the upcoming summer months.

As a result of indecision on the part of the Sheila Dikshit Government, Delhi was beaten by Punjab that took the lead in entering into a power purchase agreement with Himachal Pradesh for the summer months. Himachal had been a major power supplier to Delhi during the last few summers supplying 100 MW to 400 MW of power. Its tie-up now with Punjab is a major setback for Delhi.

"It is true that Punjab has beaten us in power purchase this year. We are working on an agreement for purchase of power with Orissa but I do not know if that would be enough,'' says Principal Secretary (Power) Rakesh Mehta who took over recently. The Capital is already reeling under a severe power and water shortage and things might just take a turn for the worse in the coming months.

What has added to Delhi's worries is lack of sufficient rain and snow in the hill States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal this past winter. The Himachal Government has already warned its residents to tighten their belts for a harsh summer on the power and water front. This certainly does not augur well for Delhi as not only power but also regular availability of water is going be a major problem.

"The summer months up to June and July are going to be very tough. We are setting up a 400 kv circuit from Mathan in Orissa to Delhi and it is expected to be in place by July this year. Hopefully that would help us in getting more power from the Eastern region,'' Mr. Mehta added.

What has further complicated the situation, according to Mr. Mehta, is the new trend to auction power rather than entering into a bilateral agreement. Everybody has put power on sale and those who are willing to pay the highest get it. The Power Trading Corporation is selling power on behalf of the States and here only economics matter and not sentiments.

"Due to lack of rains and proper snowfall, the water flow in the rivers will be very poor. This will have an adverse impact on the hydropower generation as well as drinking water availability. The overall situation in the Northern Grid, one of the major power suppliers to Delhi, is also going to be very precarious. The people of Delhi should prepare themselves for a very harsh summer,'' a senior official remarked.

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