Jain said this while interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the power ministers’ conference at Kufri near Shimla on Tuesday. He said that it was the duty of NTPC to arrange the coal and it was not the job of the Delhi government.
Delhi power minister Satyendra Kumar Jain has warned of blackout in the national capital in coming days claiming that in Badarpur and Dadri I and II power plants just two days coal reserve was left. There should have been coal reserve for at least 15 days, he said, adding that the railways and the Coal Indiawere claiming that the fuel was being supplied. “If they are supplying it then where is it going? Coal should be made available otherwise there would be blackout in Delhi,” he said.
Jain said this while interacting with mediapersons on the sidelines of the power ministers’ conference at Kufri near Shimla on Tuesday. He said that it was the duty of NTPC to arrange the coal and it was not the job of the Delhi government.
“We have made power purchase agreement with them that too at very high rates. I request Union power minister to relieve us of these agreements as we are ready to exit the bonds. I will see myself from where to arrange the power,” he said.
He said the Centre should relieve Delhi from power purchase agreement with Jhajjar and Dadri plants. “They are neither releasing us from these power purchase agreement nor providing coal. This cannot be accepted,” he rued.
He said that in Delhi almost 100% power supply had already been ensured. Only some areas under the defence cantonment board and railways, where they were not allowing to provide power supply to jhuggis, remain, he added.
Union minister of state for power and renewable energy R K Singh said that availability of coal was an issue not only for Delhi but also for others states. He said that compared to last year, production was up 14% but still shortage was being witnessed because of the increased demand.
He said that rise in demand was a good sign as it indicated growth of economy and per capita income, besides increased consumption. He said there was need to increase the coal supply for which environment clearance was needed to start more mines and the government was considering all the issues.
Source : TNN
