Power shortage will cripple industry: AIAI

Mumbai, Feb 13 (UNI) Maharashtra State Electricity Board distribution company Mahavitaran's announcement to impose power shut down for two consecutive days every week in all industrial areas across the State due to spiralling power shortage, will adversely affect industry and also investments in the State, according to the All India Association of Industries (AIAI).

AIAI President Vijay Kalantri, in a statement today, said about 2.25 lakh small and medium enterprises would bear the brunt of this decision as they are already reeling under partial power supply and would not be able to put up their own captive power units.

For the past one decade, the government has not taken any serious and effective steps to put power on track as Maharashtra has always been a surplus state, he said.

''Proper planning and effective implementation of some of the projects and up-gradation of existing plants would have saved us from the existing situation. Rs 50,000 crore investments in power sector is needed to fill up the widening gulf. The new projects expected to be commissioned, may take longer to see the light of day due to power shortage,'' he said.

''There is a need to re-look at the coming up of commercial malls that draw more power. At least the common man and the residents should be spared from the imposition of load shedding. Government may call an urgent meeting of the trade and industry and the concerned authorities to set up a task force to tackle this issue on priority basis,'' he added.

UNI