The industrial sector is facing problems in Uttarakhand due to power shortage. The Kumaon Garhwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) head Ashok Bansal said this at a meet with Uttarakhand Power Corporation limited (UPCl) managing director SS Yadav at the Chamber House in Kashipur.
Bansal said that power is a basic requirement for industry as industrial operation cannot be carried out through any other medium in absence of electricity. Industrial enterprises in the State are facing major problems due to the condition of power supply that is forcing many industrialists to sustain considerable losses. For the past many months, the industrial enterprises in Udham Singh Nagar and nearby areas have been facing power cuts lasting upto five hours daily. Due to this the industrial units are unable to produce even 50 per cent of their capacity. As a result, the industrial enterprises are struggling to survive in times of tough competition. Bansal demanded that local power sub-stations be maintained regularly, industrial feeders be upgraded, a new 33/11 KVA power sub-station at Mahuakheda, Kashipur, a 132/33 KV power sub station along Moradabad Road in Kashipur and a 33 KV sub station at Kichha bypass road in Rudrapur. Additionally, the furnace enterprises should also be supplied power like other industrial enterprises, the power lines passing through the jungle should be converted into ABC conductor and industries should be issued no objection certificates on time for purchasing electricity through open access.
KGCCI senior vice president Alok Kumar Goyal demanded establishment of a separate industrial feeder line in Jaspur. During its formation along with two other States, Uttarakhand had elicited maximum investment on being declared a ‘power State’ but now Uttarakhand is going through major problems pertaining to power, he added.
The KGCCI power committee chairman Pawan Agrawal said that the authorities concerned will have to be sensitive in order to resolve the electricity problems. Calling for joint efforts by the authorities and industry, he suggested formation of a coordination committee in the department.
Speaking at the meeting, the UPCl MD SS Yadav appreciated the role of industry while stating that the corporation is committed to ensuring quality power supply to the industrial sector. “We have solved various problems this year and attempts are being made to resolve other problems,” he said. He approved the demand for setting up new sub-stations at Mahuakheda and Moradabad Road. He directed the chief engineer, Kumaon, HK Gururani to facilitate formation of the coordination committee and hold its monthly meetings. Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand limited (PTCUl) director RK Sharma and other officials were also present in the meeting.