Modi lays foundation for 250 MW power project

Surat, May 27: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for the 250 MW Surat lignite power plant expansion project here.

On the occasion, Mr Modi said Gujarat has achieved the status of surplus State in electricity production It currently produces 50 million units of power and in another five year, it will go up to 60 million units.

''The projects like Sardar Sarovar will help solve the power needs of not only Gujarat, but Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also,'' Mr Modi said.

The State should utilise not only the natural resources like lignite and gas but other renewable sources like wind energy also, he suggested.

If Gujarat has to advance economically it should adopt professional management, monitoring and technology upgradation, he said.

He also cautioned against power thefts in the State and said the Government is taking serious steps to curb it.

The function was also attended by State Water Resources Minister Narottam Patel, Finance Minister Saurabh Patel, GPCL chairman Balwant Singh and Managing Director L Chaunguo.

UNI