Facing power crunch, Sukhbir seeks nod to import coal

PNS | Chandigarh

As Punjab continues to reel under power crunch in view of increasing demand of power by farmers for irrigation, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday sought preferential treatment for the landlocked States by allowing them to import coals for power generation.

“The Centre should give a preferential dispensation to landlocked States--Punjab, Haryana and Delhi--in allotment of power, coal blocks and also exempting them from the condition of 30 per cent mandatory import of coal,” said Badal.

Badal, who reviewed the progress of Goindwal, Talwandi Sabo, Rajpura and Gidderbaha thermal plants, said he would take up the issue with the Centre that these States have a peculiar location disadvantage, putting them at receiving end, especially in peak power season.

“Due to their location away from ports, and also from coal mines, these States have to generate electricity after paying carriage charges of coal as well as gas. Similar would be the position if these States would be asked to import 30 per cent their coal requirements,” he added.

“There is a strong case for landlocked States to be given preferential treatment in allotment of additional quota of power from the central pool as well as preferential allotment of coal blocks for upcoming thermal plants,” added Badal.The Deputy Chief Minister said: “I would personally meet the top brass of the companies constructing major power plants in the State next week in Delhi to secure a firm commitment from them regarding the date of their completion.”Badal asked PSEB to enter into short, middle and long term power purchase agreements for next two years till the completion of four thermal plants so that there was enough power for next three years.