Chattisgarh to supply 100 MW of power to Karnataka

Bangalore, Jul 26: Chattisgarh has come forward to ease the power situation being faced by Karnataka by supplying 100 MW of power from August 1.

Addressing a joint press conference here along with Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said his state would supply 100 MW of power from August 1 to October 1. ''Depending upon the availability of power in Chattisgarh and Karnataka a decision will be taken to increase the supply to 200 MW from November'', he said.

Mr Yeddyurappa said the Karnataka government has decided to establish a 2000 MW Thermal power plant in Chattisgarh in two phases of 1000 MW each.

''Dr Singh has agreed to extend all assistance Karnataka's project and added a Memorandum of Understanding would be signed during the second week of August. Already two rounds of talks have been held at official level,'' he added.

He said despite the State having 8000 MW installed capacity, there was shortage of power. During peak hours the shortage was about 14 per cent. It has been estimated that by the end of 11th Plan period there may be demand for 12,000 MW of power.

Mr Yeddyurappa said the project in Chattisgarh would come up on Godhna in Janigir-Champa District for which two TMC of water would be supplied from Mahanadi and there is well connected Railway line. The coal mines are located within 100 Km. The existing 400 KV HT line of Power Grid Corporation of India would be utilised to transmit power to Karnataka.