The prevailing power crisis triggered by paucity of coal took its toll on Wednesday when two mega power projects decided to withdraw their proposals, sources said.
Two private power companies in the state have decided to withdraw their proposals to set up mega thermal power units in Hardoi and lalitpur. Torrent Power has withdrawn the proposed 1320 megawatt power plant in Sandila near Hardoi district while Bajaj Energy disposed its proposal to set up 1980 megawatt unit in lalitpur extension.
The power department officials confirmed about the move of these two power companies.These two projects were among the nine proposed mega power units came through MoU route during the Mayawati regime and the present Akhilesh Yadav government has given two extension of these proposals.
Officials say that both companies went back from the proposals as they were not sure of getting the coal linkage of their units in view of the current coal crisis in the country.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav while speaking to the reporters in Mainpuri admitted that the new power units are facing severe problems due to non-availability of coal.
‘’We have tried our best to keep the proposals of new units came in the state through MoU route in the previous BSP regime and gave two extension. But now the situation was going out of our hand due to coal shortage and the companies are not ready to wait further,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, in a review meeting of power sector Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan has asked officials to dedicate atleast 100 power sub-stations to consumers by October this year. “In July and August 24 lakh families have got new power connections this will increase annual revenue by Rs 1200 crore,” Ranjan said.
He also directed the officials to provide electric connection to BPl families by April 2015 and private tubewells should be energised. later talking to reporters he said that state was not getting good quality coal that is adding to power blue. “WE have approached the centre to provide us coal but we are yet to hear from them,” he said.