2 min readPatialaOct 1, 2011 11:17 PM IST
First published on: Oct 1, 2011 at 11:17 PM IST
A day after announcing eight hour supply for agriculture on alternate days,the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) changed the schedule to six-hour uninterrupted supply following complaints by farmers that their paddy crop,majority of it late variety,was at ripening stage and would be ruined if power was made available to them on alternate days.
The revised schedule would be applicable from the midnight.
Battling crisis,PSPCL,sources said could not purchase power on Friday and was mulling to reorganise the power schedule in the state,including going for power cuts,to ensure six-hour uninterrupted supply to the agriculture sector.
“We had purchased 38 lakh units on Thursday at the rate of Rs 6.50 per unit. On Friday,the rate had touched Rs 6.65 per unit. No power could be purchased. Among other things,PSPCL might have to resort to power cuts to make available six-hour uninterrupted supply to agriculture sector,” said an official of Power Purchase and Regulation department.
However,Director (Distribution) Arun Verma said power was not available and hence could not be purchased. “We are reorganising the schedule. Generation would be increased at Shahpur Kandi,” Verma said,ruling out power cuts.
The schedule for agriculture power supply was changed after a delegation of BKU (Ekta Dakounda) led by Patiala district president Darshan Pal met PSPCL officials.
“We have been promised six-hour uninterrupted supply till October 10. But,in case PSPCL does not honour its promise,we would launch an agitation,” said Pal.
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