Despite the claims that electricity generation in the State-run hydro power plants have started improving after the natural disaster that wrecked havoc in Uttarakhand, the power generation is believed to be reported insufficient to meet with the demand of electricity.
Well established department sources revealed that the department has been procuring four to six million units on regular intervals worth Rs 1 to 2 crore for reducing the gap between the demand and availability power in the State. After the natural calamity, the department had procured nearly 25 million units worth Rs 10 crore so far.
The State-run hydro power projects also faced the brunt of natural calamities. Department sources further informed that apart from the operational hydro power projects in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Pithoragarh districts of the State, the under construction hydro power projects also washed away. The Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam limited officials claimed that 16 hydro projects were damaged causing loss to nearly Rs 76.85 crore to the department. However, the power generation that was hovering around five million units after the calamity has increased to 8.74 million units nowadays.
It is noteworthy to mention that the power generation was hovering between 14-16 million units before the natural calamity struck in Uttarakhand. Sources confirmed that the power generation is reported to be disrupted at Chilla and Maneri Bhalli hydro power projects on Wednesday. After realising the fact the power generation is insufficient to meet with the demand of electricity in the State, Uttarakhand Power Corporation limited has concurred with the private companies to procure four million units worth Rs 1 crore for Thursday. After the natural calamity, the department had procured 250 megawatt worth Rs 1 crore, five million units worth Rs 1.5 crore, five million units worth Rs 1.5 crore, five million units worth Rs 1.5 crore and five million units worth Rs 1.5 crore on last Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sundayand Wednesday.
Sources confirmed that department has implemented load shedding of nearly five hours in Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts till 4 pm of Uttarakhand. Additionally, the smaller towns of the state faced the power outage for nearly one to two hours on Wednesday. A senior official of the department who wished to be anonymity told The Pioneer that the department has already concurred with the private companies to procure electricity to meet with the demand of electricity in Uttarakhand.