Maharashtra Govt to get 2600 MW electricity by 2007-08

Mumbai, May 11 (UNI) In a bid to tide over the power shortage of over 5,000 mega watt in Maharashtra, the Union government has agreed to take several measures, whereby about 2600 MW power will be generated to overcome the deficit.

The decision was taken at a meeting held in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil and Energy Minister Dilip Valse-Patil were present.

The Central government has agreed to provide additional gas for the Uran Power Project, which is running only at 50 per cent capacity due to shortage of gas, according to an official release here today.

The gas would be made available on completion of the Dahej-Uran gas pipeline by Gas Authority of India Ltd in June 2007. The Centre would also facilitate the gas supply for the proposed Uran expansion project of 1040 MW through Kakinada-Uran gas pipeline and Krishna Godavari basin.

The release said the revamped Ratnagiri Gas Power Project would be completed as per schedule for commissioning in June for the generation of 700 MW and in November another 700 MW.

It was also confirmed that the gas would be made available for running of all the three blocks, totalling 2100 MW out. At present, 700 MW power is being generated on naptha.

The government also agreed that Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) would expedite the delivery schedule of boiler turbine and generators to Parli and Paras. It would also examine the possibility of advancing supply equipment to Khaperkheda and Bhusawal.

The Environment and Forest Ministry would accord priority for grant of environmental clearance for power project of Koradi, Chandrapur, Parli, Paras and Bhusawal.

The Union government also agreed to provide coal linkages for Koradi and Chandrapur and also replacement projects at Parli, Paras and Bhusawal. These cola linkages would amount to 12.3 million tonne per annum, the release added.

UNI