Centre could finance for 500 MW project, if Goa is ready: Shinde

Panaji, June 3 (UNI) Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today said the Centre would consider sanction of 500 MW power project for Goa, if the state was ready to meet the criteria including provision of adequate land for the purpose.

''We will even direct the NTPC to undertake the project and the Power Finance Corporation to offer loan, if Goa comes forward with the project,'' Mr Shinde said.

Addressing the Congress workers at Congress House here this afternoon, Mr Shinde announced sanction of 25 MW additional power for the island state, as against 60 MW sought by state Power Minister Digambar Kamat, to tide over the peak-hour demand.

The setting up of five proposed ultra mega power projects in the country require at least 200 acres of land, besides a whopping Rs 60,000 crore finance.

Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and some other states are ready to go in for such projects, which entail several environmental issues for which Goa is quite sensitive, Mr Shinde said.

Hence, it was better for smaller states like Goa to go in for small independent power projects with at least 500 MW capacity.

Incidentally, the State does not have a power plant of its own, yet the power pilferage is 15 to 20 per cent lesser as against the national average, he said.

Stating that tourist influx is more than its own 13.4 lakh population, Goa, he said, should plan development of infrastructure 15 years ahead to meet the growing demands, including power.

On the occasion, the Minister also asked the party workers to prepare themselves for the general elections mid-next year with a united spirit. The party would not neglect or ignore the dedicated and loyal workers, he assured.

Goa Chief Minister Pratapsinh Rane and GPCC president Ravi Naik, besides Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik were present on the occasion.

Mr Rane, in this connection, urged Mr Shinde to help Goa with adequate power, to push the wheels of progress further.

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