Agriculture sector to get eight hours power supply

Patiala May 17 (UNI) Keping in view the high demand of water in the paddy season the Punjab State Electricity Board has decided to give minimum of eight hours uninterrupted power supply to the agricultural sector from June 10.

This decision was taken here today in a meeting between PSEB Chairman Y S Ratra with the representatives of Kisan Wing of SAD (A) led by Satnam Singh Behru and BKU (Ektra Group) led by Pishora Singh Sidhupur.

The meeting discussed the problems and demands of the farmers, especially in the wake of fast approaching paddy season.

Considering the demands of the leaders of Kisan Unions, Mr Ratra assured that minimum eight hours uninterrupted power supply shall be made available everyday to the farmers from June 10.

He said that the Board has made requisite arrangements to procure power from various sources at much higher rates. The Board is purchasing power for more than Rs 3000 crores, this year, to reduce the gap between demand and availability.

Though the Board has arranged to buy 1200 MW of power from Eastern Sector yet only 600 MW is available to Punjab due to the non- availability of the corridor.

UNI XC-HS VD ND1938