Govt setting up mega power projects in states:Muttemwar

Patiala, Dec 19 (UNI) Union Minister of state for renewable energy, Vilas Muttemwar today said the government was setting up ultra mega power projects of 35000 MW at Orissa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Chhatisgarh.

He was interacting with mediapersons, at Ghanour, 40kms from here today after layingthe foundation stone of a 12 MW power project based on paddy straw at Baghaura village.

Mr Muttemwar said the government had set up a coordination committee for energy and power as for the overall development surplus power was needed. This energy coordination committee was working directly under the supervision of the Prime Minister.

He said the Centre had been maintaining parity in the distribution of power and the Power Grid Corporation of India had been monitoring this.

Meanwhile the Joint Secretary in the Union Power ministry, Arvind Jhadav said the Punjab government had not shown any interest in setting up power plants in the state and had not come up with any proposal on this front.

''There was lack of initiative, since Punjab was seeking a captive power project and this was not possible, as the source of fuel is not available in the state,'' he said.

He said the Mnistry of Power was keen to set up power plants based on renewable energy sources in coastal areas as coal had to be transported from far flung areas, thereby increasing the cost.

UNI XC HS YA GC1829