Energy spent, but no power!
From January to December this year, much energy has been spent in talking about new power plants. We have heard of many plans for doubling our power generation capacities within the next three years; but alas not even one contract for a new power plant has been signed till date. Energy of sound-bites and print-bites have reached significant levels, but setting up of new power plants is at zero level of achievement!
The latest sound-bite: that we will have additional 960MW of power by
January 2010 is also based on work taken up by earlier governments. This was not taken up after this government came to power on January 6, 2009. Of course we have had grand road shows spending a lot of energy and scarce foreign exchange; but till date, with nothing positive to show! Not even a scrap of paper!
There are pledges galore to increase power generation to 5000MW by 2011, and to 7000MW by 2013. However, even the ceremonial spading of soil of even one new project, is yet to take place. We only have 48 months to increase power generation to 7000MW! Mind you this is not installed capacity, but power on the grid! Our functional installed capacity should be around 8500MW at least, to ensure reliable generation levels of 7000MW. Will this happen? That is anyone's guess, however for the government, it is an honourable commitment! Will the commitment be honoured? Your guess is as good as mine! Let us all hope and pray for the best!
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