CM solves power problem on paper

CHANDIGARH, May 26: Sahib Singh Verma's promise of taking care of the crisis within 48 hours will be tested tomorrow. Theoretically, he clai...

CHANDIGARH, May 26: Sahib Singh Verma8217;s promise of taking care of the crisis within 48 hours will be tested tomorrow. Theoretically, he claims, the problem is solved. At a press conference today, Sahib Singh said, 8220;The Punjab State Electricity Board has decided to reduce consumption by 200 MW, as a goodwill gesture to Delhi, which would take care of the current shortfall in the Capital.8221;

The Capital8217;s power demand till this evening was 2,400 MW while the supply was 2,200 MW. According to the Chief Minister, power theft worth Rs 3.35 crore 3,970 KW has been detected in the last few days. Fifteen FIRs have been lodged and 12 people indulging in such actions have been arrested.

8220;If there was enough backup from the Centre, it would not be difficult for Delhi to have its own power generation of 1,350 MW,8221; he said and added that power projects were not able to see completion for various reasons 8212; the main one being neglect by Central governments. Talking about his meeting with Union Home Minister L.K. Advani, he said: 8220;We have assured the Home Minister that it was possible to enhance power production in 18 months. We are seeking approval for gas and naphtha-based power generation.8221;

Gas was the first preference because it worked out economical; but the Centre has already given its approval for power generation with naphtha.

Efforts are on to get approval for both naphtha and gas for the 600 MW Bawana phase-II and 300 MW Narela power projects, he said. The Chief Minister said there was promise of power supply from Union Energy Minister P Kumaramangalam but much would depend on the quality of power. Meanwhile, 8220;to improve the interaction of Delhi Vidyut Board with the people, the Communications Minister had agreed to provide immediate telephone connections to 150 DVB service centres and the complaints received would be monitored at the highest level,8221; he said.

Saying that jhuggi connections are under severe scrutiny, Sahib Singh said: 8220;We can8217;t allow the exploitation of law abiding citizens by these people.8221; An Enforcement Department team with CBI officers has been formed to deal with the mafia8217; who were tapping power illegally, he added. He said citizens should cooperate in sticking to their limit of consumption voluntarily so that the quality of power does not suffer.