Telangana agitation hits power supply in Bangalore

Bangalore, Sept 27: Karnataka's Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Monday, Sept 26 hinted that people of Karnataka, both in rural and urban regions, might have to struggle more with frequent power cuts in the state. Karandlaje claimed that the ongoing agitation in Telangana region is the main reason behind the disruptions in power supply in Karnataka.

Following the shortage in supply of coal to thermal plants in Raichur and Bellary due to the agitation in Andhra Pradesh for a separate Telangana state, the minister said that load shedding would be inevitable in Bangalore and in other areas of the state.

The state government soon may announce the timings of load-shedding in both rural and urban areas as it (Karnataka government) might be left with a shortfall of 1500 MW per day in power generation and availability.

While explaining that the eight units of RTPS required 15,000 tonnes each of coal per day, Karandlaje informed, "We have a stock of 1.80 lakh tonnes of coal and it is sufficient to generate power for 12 days for five units."

The minister also claimed, "Instead of 1500 MW, the State used to get 1200 MW and now the quantum has come down to barely 900 MW."

Meanwhile, the agitation over Telangana has entered the 15th day on Tuesday, Sept 27. All buses, autos are off the roads. The state was also hit by a two-day rail-rocko movement. Doctors, lawyers and several student associations have also participated in the state-wide strike. All schools and other educational institutions have been shut from the past 15 days.

OneIndia News