Punjab to spend Rs 3,225 crore on power sector

Hoshiarpur, Jan 21 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today laid the foundation stones of 66 KV sub stations being erected at Ajjowal and Harta Badla villages with a cost of Rs 6.5 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Badal said that to improve the power supply and to check power theft, Rs 3,225 crore would be spent on its transmission and distribution during next two years.

To meet out the shortage of power, electricity worth Rs 10 crore is being purchased from other states daily while the state produces 6000 megawatt electricity daily from its own sources, he said.

"During last regime of SAD-BJP government, power projects viz Ranjit Sagar Dam and Lehra Mohabat had come in operation. But, no efforts had been made by the previous Congress government due to which the state is now facing power shortage." "Due to considerable fall in the level of water in the reservoirs of Ranjit Sagar Dam, Pong Dam and Bhakra Dam, the generation of power is badly affected," the Chief Minister said.

Mr Badal said that to increase power generation, efforts had been initiated for producing at least 5000 megawatt power extra in the coming year to meet the shortage. 91 new sub stations had been energised in Punjab during current financial year to improve the power supply, later, Mr Badal launched a project for the upgradation of infrastructure of Government High Schools of Ajowal and Phambra Bhunga with a cost of Rs 50 lakh each. The Chief Minister also addressed a public rally at Ajowal village. UNI XC PS MMS1637