Delhi government to set up power plant in Chhattisgargh

Raipur, July 14 (UNI) The Delhi government has set in motion a process to set up 2000 MW thermal power plant in Chhattisgarh, Delhi Energy Minister Haroon Yusuf said today.

Talking to newsmen here, he said the government would set up four units of 500 MW each at Navagarh block in Janjgir-Champa district.

Stating that the aim was to start production of two units before the Commonwealth Games, Mr Yusuf said power demand in the national capital was expected to reach 4500 to 5000 MW by 2010. ''We want to produce 1000 MW power by 2010'', he added.

Stating that the Delhi government would sign an agreement with Chhattisgarh next month, Mr Yusuf said issues relating to land acquisition, rehabilitation package and employment to local population would be included in the agreement.

The minister said his government had selected Chhattisgarh for setting up its power plant in view of the availablity of land, coal and water. Similar efforts were also made in the past but the proposal could not proceed further as the Central Electricity Authority did not grant permission for it.

At present, demand for power in the national capital peaks to 3900 to 4000 MW during summer while it declines to 2900 MW during monsoon season, he added.

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