NEW DELHI: Even as the Capital reeled under a severe power crisis resulting in load-shedding to the tune of 600 MW, the much-publicised promise to bring power from Orissa and Gujarat and out of the Central allocation has still not materialised.

The scenario does look grim with Himachal Pradesh also cutting down its supply to Delhi and the hydro project facing generation problem.

In view of the continued power and water crises in the city, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had on July 8 along with Union Power Secretary R. V. Shahi promised that another 500 MW of power would start flowing to the Capital by July 12.

It was announced that an agreement had been reached with the Orissa and Gujarat Governments to procure power and it would reach Delhi within the next few days.

However, even after a fortnight, the power is yet to reach the Capital and power consumers are at the mercy of the private power companies who in turn are blaming the Government for the poor supply and low frequency in the Northern Grid.

The power demand touched around 3,800 MW on Tuesday of which 3,162 MW was met. The load-shedding of around 600 MW was effected due to drastic cut in power supply for Delhi, according to an official spokesman.

The Nathpa-Jhakri power plant once again was shut down due to high silt levels causing non-availability of 300 MW power. In addition, Delhi was also not getting 190 MW power from Himachal Pradesh.

Apart from this HVDC link between East and North was disrupted causing loss of power around 80 MW to Delhi.

The spokesman said as per information received Naptha-Jhakri project would be able to generate power from tonight.

According to sources, the Nathpa Jhakri project has been shut due to high discharge of water and influx of heavy silt levels. As the monsoon is at its peak and the Sangla Valley in Kinnuar district of Himachal Pradesh has been receiving heavy rain, there is little possibility of the project resuming generation in the near future.

Officials said the reason why power had not flowed from Orrisa and Gujarat was that there was non-availability of transmission lines to get that power. Under the new rules, the State concerned has to inform the Central Electricity Regulatory Authority for booking transmission lines three months in advance.

Not only this, under the new regime, the State has to now purchase power through auction against the past practise of entering into bilateral agreements. "The failure to foresee this situation and make advance planning has resulted in such a mess. We failed to procure power from Power Trading Corporation as a result Haryana and Punjab benefited. There was also no attempt to book transmission lines as a result the people have to bear the brunt of the official apathy,'' said a senior Minister.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail