Putting forth the stand of Jharkhand in the conference of Energy Ministers of States and Union Territories at Guwahati, Food and Civil Supplies Department Minister Saryu Roy on Friday demanded three Ultra Mega Power Plant projects and two additional coal blocks for running them. Roy put forth the demands before Union Minister Piyush Goyal for generating 4000 MW UMPP projects that would ensure uninterrupted power supply across the state.
Talking about the present condition of power in Jharkhand Roy said that the State has over 80,000 lakh tonnes of coal and the coal mines of the State are being allocated to other States but Jharkhand is still devoid of the necessary amount of power.
“At present Jharkhand needs 3260 MW electricity but from all sources only 1952 MW electricity is available here. This means the State is getting 1688 MW less electricity than required. And, out of the available power state’s own production is just 475 MW. Rest of the 1213 MW is being purchased from outside,” Roy said.
The Minister added that the energy requirement estimates suggested that the State would need 8700 MW by 2018-19 and to fulfill the requirement more production was necessary. He also said that that the State Government wanted to refurbish the Patratu Poweer Plant with the help of NTPC and demanded from the Centre to ensure 75 per cent of the power production from PTPS to Jharkhand. Similarly, he sought help from the Centre in expansion of TVNl for 1320 MW extra power production.
Roy said that the claim of Jharkhand for setting up of two UMPPs at Tilaiya and Deoghar for 4000 MW power was pending with the Centre since long. He requested the Centre to begin work on the projects soon.
He also said that the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was supplying power to industrial units in its area and has left the responsibility of local domestic distribution on the state government. He flayed the DVC for not taking responsibilities as expected from it and acting in a negligent manner. Roy also demanded speedy work in different areas by Power Grid Corporation ltd. Union Minister Piyush Goyal instructed the PGCIl officers to complete the pending works soon.
Roy said that the State Government as committed to supply 24 hours electricity in Jharkhand but the challenge could not be fulfilled without assistance fro the Centre. Jharkhand has legitimate right to get Central aid given the fact that it has vast natural reserves and this is why the Centre must give the rights to the people of the State, he said.