Power generation at NLC hit by monsoon rains

Cuddalore, Oct 28 (UNI) Power generation at the public sector Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) was further restricted to 950 mw against its total capacity of 2,490 mw as incessant rain lashed out in the district hitting mining operations.

Sources in NLC said the power generation was restricted from 1,200 mw to 950 mw due to poor buffer stock coal position.

Mining operation was severely hit because of rain in the last five days. Against an average excavation of 70,000 tonnes of coal a day only about 5,000 tonnes had been excavated and due to the dampness and wetness the coal could not be used directly for power generation.

About 50 villages in Chidambaram and Kaattumannarkoil, which bore the brunt of rain fury, were inundated. People from these villages had been evacuated and kept at relief centres. The district administration was keeping a stock of 820 metric tonnes of rice for food distribution.

The district had received 60 cm of rainfall in the last five days after the onset of North East monsoon. Paddy crops in 24,000 hectares were submerged in water. Rain started after a respite on friday and the survival of these crops were in peril.

In all paddy crops had been planted in 45,000 hectares of land in this district. Officials from agricultural department were accessing the extend of damage.

Water level at the Veeranam lake was maintained at 44.4 ft against its full capacity of 47.5 ft. The lake was revceing an inflow of 950 cusecs and the outlflow was about 2,000 cusecs. Four rescue boats were kept in readiness near the lake for rescue operaton in the event of any flood situation.

Meanwhile, Health Minister M R K Pannerselvam inspected the flood hit areas for the second day and assured all assistance to the people.

Two people were killed in the last three days because of rain related incidents. A 60-year-old woman was killed in a wall collapse on October 25 and a 35-year-old man washed ashore on October 26 and his body was found yesterday morning.

UNI