Delhi Cab nod for 1000 MW Pragati-III gas based plant at Bawana

New Delhi, Nov 21: In a decision that could help meet the power shortages faced in the capital and help Delhi acheive self reliance in power generation, the Delhi Cabinet today gave its nod for commissioning of the 1000 MW Pragati-III gas-based power project at Bawana.

Among other decisions taken at a Cabinet meeting, presided over by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, decks were cleared for sale of five per cent ethanol blended petrol. The Cabinet also decided to release Rs.22.30 lac for air-conditioning of a District Court being constructed at Dwarka.

The Delhi Cabinet's approval for commissioning of the 1000 MW gas based Pragati Power Project at Bawana with an estimated cost of Rs 4500 crore comes following signing of an MOU with Petronet for supply of RLNG wherein gas would be available by April 2009, the Chief Minister told reporters here.

''It is extremely important for the Government of Delhi to increase its self-reliance in power generation from plants located within Delhi so that it is not vulnerable to the vagaries of the Northern Grid and the political circumstances which influence inter-state supply of power. Secondly, with the forthcoming Commonwealth Games 2010 as well as the increasing demand of power, enhancement of power generation assumes added significance,''Mrs Dikshit said.

The new project would be able to meet growing demand of power in Delhi apart from making it a surplus State in respect of power.

Keeping in view experience of M/s. Pragati Power Corporation Limited in commissioning Pragati Power I&II, it has been decided to bring Pragati Power III under the control of PPPCL.

Mrs Dikshit said the Delhi Cabinet has cleared decks for sale of five per cent ethanol blended petrol in Delhi and has also decided to waive off special duty and other related fees on ethanol under the Punjab Excise Act 1914 as in force in Delhi.

This decision has been taken keeping in view the need of conservation of petroleum fuel and to increase use of sustainable fuel. The decision would enable Government to extend benefit of 25 paisa per litre to the consumers on one litre of ethanol blended petrol.

The Union Ministry of Petroleum had issued Notification under the Essential Commodities Act on September 20 that ''subject to commercial viability, the Oil Marketing Companies shall sell five per cent ethanol blended petrol as per bureau of Indian Standards Specifications in 20 states and four Union Territories including Delhi''. The notification has come into force on November 1.

It is estimated that about 48,000 kilolitres of ethanol may be brought to Delhi per year and Government would have to forego an estimated amount of Rs 20 crore per year on account of facilitation of ethanol blended petrol sale in Delhi.

This would also go a long way in curbing pollution.

The Chief Minister said that her Government, in its efforts to bring justice to the doorsteps of the litigants and for the convenience of the public at large, is establishing District Courts in Delhi. One such Court is being constructed at Dwarka Sector-10 on an area of 3.7 hectares.

The Cabinet has now decided to release an additional amount of Rs.22.30 lakh for air-conditioning work including additional requirement of electrical, civil, fire-fighting and lifts at Dwarka Court.

UNI