By 2010-11, outage-hit Capital will become self-sufficient in power

For the last so many years no new power station has come up in Delhi. The projects that were planned got delayed, reports Moushumi Das Gupta.

Power cuts continue to make life miserable for city residents. But Delhi Power Minister Dr AK Walia says the shortfall blamed on poor generation capacity is just a temporary phase. By 2010-2011, with three power plants coming up Delhi will become self-sufficient in power.

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What, according to you, is the main reason behind Delhi’s precarious power situation?

For the last so many years no new power station has come up in Delhi. The projects that were planned got delayed. But in the meantime, power demand in the city increased manifold, leading to shortfall.

What steps are being taken by the government to reverse the situation?

Three power plants have been planned exclusively for the Capital and all of them will be commissioned by 2010-2011. These include a thermal power plant at Jhajjar in Haryana and two gas-based plants coming up at Bawana and Bamnauli. We have also signed an agreement with West Bengal’s Damodar Valley Corporation, which will supply 2,500MW power to Delhi in the next two years. Besides we are also promoting energy conservation in a big way to check the growing power demand.

We are closely monitoring the work at all the plants. Deadlines have been set for various works and meetings are held regularly to review progress.

Is the government doing anything to ensure the distcoms do not resort to frequent load shedding during the summer months?

We have told the distcoms they have to put their house in order. The government is giving all the support it can but the distcoms will have to ensure 24x7 power supply in the Capital. The distcoms will have to plan in advance about arranging power. We will not tolerate power cuts.