Mah CM assures relief from power crisis by December

Mumbai, Mar 20 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh today assured the Legislative Assembly that 2,930 MW of electricity, including that from Ratnagiri gas and power company, will be available which will help tide over power shortage by December this year.

Replying to a two-day debate on the motion thanks to the Governor's address to the joint sitting of both Houses, Mr Deshmukh said the Centre had agreed to provide 200 MW additional power for Mumbai and gas for the Uran plant which will generate 100 MW electricity.

Similarly, the State government has planned generation of 7,540 MW at the cost of Rs 29,000 crore by 2010. Besides, government has decided to purchase captive power at a rate ranging between Rs 2.40 and Rs six to seven per unit.

He said Maharashtra enjoyed premier status as investment destination for several years because it was a power surplus state.

''But today, we we are in deficit and it hurts investment and growth. Over the years, other states have beenb ''competing with us and we are working hard to to ensure that we are in competition and maintain numero uno status.'' The Chief Minister said the first phase of 740 MW Ratnagiri gas and power project would be operational by May this year and the second phase of 1,440 MW by December.

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