Thaindian News

Ranchi, April 21 (IANS) Jharkhand is reeling under an acute power crisis and people are having a harrowing time due to a soaring mercury which has touched 47 degrees Celsius in 13 of the state’s 22 districts.
There are prolonged power cuts for 10-12 hours every day in most parts of the state, including the capital.

Since Tuesday, two state-owned power plants, Tenughat Viduyut Nigam Limited (TVNL) and Paratau Thermal Power Station (PTPS), which in normal course together produce 300-350 MW, have almost stopped producing electricity.

“The power scenario has worsened as power production is not taking place in TVNL. We are trying to improve the power situation,” said S.N. Chaudhary, the Jharkhand state electricity board (JSEB) member (distribution), told reporters.

According to an energy department official, TVNL and PTPS are now generating 80-100 MW. A TVNL official said a leakage in one of the plant’s units has affected production.

The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), which provides around 400 MW to the JSEB, has also stopped supply due to technical faults in its power plants.

The DVC’s two power plants situated in Jharkhand are not producing electricity for the last three days.

Jharkhand needs 1,450 MW. At present it is getting only around 400 MW. And of the 400 MW, more than 300 MW are coming from the central pool.

Ranchi, which needs at least 200 MW, is getting around 70-80 MW. The capital city is witnessing 10-12 hours of load shedding every day.

The mercury has crossed 47 degrees Celsius in Bokaro, Palamau and some other places. In at least 13 districts of the state, it has crossed 46 degrees.

“Life has turned into a hell due to soaring mercury and poor power scenario. Water scarcity is also prevailing in the state as waterfalls, ponds, rivers and other sources have either dried up or are left with few feet of water,” said Sailen Sen, a resident of Ranchi.