K'taka seeks Centre's help for ultra mega thermal plant

Bangalore, Sep 9 (UNI) The BJP government in Karnataka today sought the Centre's help to speed up setting up of the 4000 mw ultra mega thermal power plant in Bijapur.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today held talks with Union Power Secretary Anil Razdan on power sector in the state which has been suffering from power shortage for a long time.

''We have given highest priority for power generation and development. We need your help in starting the Bijapur project. A Central team which visited the site has favoured setting up of the plant there,'' he told the official.

He also sought help from the Centre to ensure seamless movement of coal from Vasco da Gama port in Goa through rail.

The government favoured private sector investment to set up two 2500 mw thermal power plants in Jewargi and Ghataprabha.

Referring to the MoU signed with the Chhattisgarh government yesterday to build a pit-head power plant in the central Indian state, Mr Yeddyurappa wanted the Centre to ensure coal linkage and sufficient supply of water from Mahanadi.

He also sought mega power status for 1000 mw Bellary thermal plant which began commercial production two month's ago.

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