Water crises due to power rostering in UP

Lucknow, Apr 22 (UNI) As temperature soared over 43 degrees Celsuis, Uttar Pradesh reeling under acute power crises, is now falling short of potable water due to power rostering in almost all the districts.

Due to the blistering heat, demand for power had increased, even after importing 3700 MW from the central sector and generating about 2600 MW, UP still have a shortage of about 2500 MW as the demand during the peak hours rise to 8200 MW.

Power crisis in the state has affected the rural areas more than the cities, as the rostering in the villages go up to 18 hours per day leading to problems for irrigation.

People, who were already battling against the power crises are in dismay as they are having tough time in accumulating water for their daily requirements.

Situation had turned worse after Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) had threatened the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited(UPPCL) of withdrawing power from UP grid for non-payment of Rs 767 crores dues against it.

According to sources, CERC has ordered UPPCL to clear the entire principal arrears for overdrawing from the inter-state power grid in six monthly installments of Rs 128 crore each, starting from May 2008.

In case of non-payment, the commission may curtail the power supply without further proceedings from May 15.

However, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) officials maintained that all efforts were underway to provide uninteruppted power supply, but due to rise in demand and limited supply, roastering has to be done.

'' We are ensuring that the rostering to be minimum, but still people have to bear with the crisis,'' sources maintained.

Meanwhile, people took to street against the crises in several districts, including Bareilly, Etawah, Aligarh, Agra and Moradabad and also gheroed the power department official residences to protest the shortage of electricity and water supply.

The state currently requires about 8200 megawatt electricity, however, it is getting only 5700 megawatt.

Low voltage supply further aggravates the problem as handpumps and tubewells are only operational in high voltage , thus affecting agrarians and others depending on the two water sources.

After announcement of marginal hike in the power tariff from next month, the power crisis had created political heat in the state as political parties and other organisations have announced demonstrations against the government.

Hindu Mahasabha held a state wide demonstration yesterday at all the district headquarters against the power crisis and to protest the hike of power tariff.

The youth wings of BJP and Samajwadi Party had also decided to come on the roads against the power crisis and holding the Mayawati government responsible for overlooking the peoples' problem.

According to report received from drought affected Mahoba, undeclared power cuts and busting of transformers have hit the normal life of the people. Incidents of line thefts has further created furore among the locals and the matter may now pose a threat to the law and order situation in the district.

UNI PDM RSC PJ AS1602