Bihar requires 6,500-megawatt electricity but manages to get only 4,700 megawatt
Many districts in Bihar faced more than 10 hours of power outages for the last few days as electricity generation was hit due to coal shortage in the country.
According to an officer, Bihar required 6,500-megawatt electricity but the state government managed to get only 4,700 megawatt. The contribution of the Central government is 3,200 megawatts and the state government is purchasing the remaining 1,500 megawatts from the open market at the cost of Rs.20 per unit.
This situation arose after the Centre reduced power supply by more than 20 percent. As a result, many districts especially in north Bihar are not receiving adequate power supply.
Muzaffarpur district has the largest grid in north Bihar. The state government is using its feeders in rotation to supply electricity to other districts.
Saharsa district which gets 50 megawatt is receiving only 35 megawatt due to reduced power supply. Madhepura district is getting only 80 megawatt instead of 100 megawatts, Araria is getting 100 megawatt instead of 120 megawatt, Katihar is receiving 75 megawatt instead of 90 megawatt, Kishanganj is getting only 20 megawatt while its normal capacity is 60 megawatt, Purnea is getting 110 megawatt instead of 150 megawatt, Lakhisarai is getting 20 megawatt while its normal capacity is 25 megawatt, Khagaria is receiving 15 megawatt while is capacity is 40 megawatt, Munger is receiving 70 megawatt while its requirement is 90 megawatt.
Besides, districts like Banka, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Buxar, Saran, Gopalganj, Jahanabad, Gaya, and Arwal are also receiving 20 to 30 percent less electricity supply.
Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries claims that lower supply has not affected industries in the state. The majority of the units are closed due to Durga Puja.
Amit Mukherji, general secretary of Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries said, “As the Durga Puja is currently underway in the state, the majority of the industrial units are shut. It could affect production if the state government would not act swiftly. I personally believe that the state government is taking measures to bring the situation under control.”
The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar on Monday said that the state government is working hard to procure power to avoid cut. Electricity supply will not be disrupted in the state, he said.
[With Inputs from IANS]
PGurus is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with all the latest news and views
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
- Smriti Irani files nomination from crucial Amethi seat; holds massive roadshow ahead of filing her nomination papers - April 29, 2024
- CISF personnel to be deployed at ED offices amid growing security concerns - April 29, 2024
- Canada: Pro-Khalistan slogans raised during PM Justin Trudeau’s speech - April 29, 2024
