The national capital is yet to become self-sufficient in basic facilities such as water, power and public transport despite Delhiites having a per capita income double than the national average.Figures published by the Delhi government’s economic survey for 2007-08 shows that while the population has increased significantly over the years in the city, it is short on water and power supply.Similarly in the absence of prudent transport policy, public mode of transport have declined while private vehicles have led to traffic chaos on the city roads.On power scenario, the report says that while demand for electricity has been growing rapidly, capacity addition has remained relatively stagnant.Delhi’s own generation installed capacity is 994.5 MW.Nearly 38 per cent of power needs are met by Delhi’s own plants but it has to import remaining 62 per cent from NTPC and other sources.To meet the power demand, the Delhi government is planning to set up a 1500 MW gas-based power project at Bawana, a coal based power plant in Jhajjar in Haryana and a 750 MW power project at Bamnauli.However, since all the plants are in the nascent stage of construction, Delhiites cannot expect immediate relief from the ongoing power crisis. The report estimates the power demand to grow to 6,961 MW by the end of 11th Five Year Plan.The situation of water availability is no better.
