Cong-ruled Assam blames BJP govt in Centre for NE’s power woes

Agencies
GUWAHATI, JUN 2

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ssam government on Sunday said that BJP government’s decision of reducing the grid capacity has severely affected the power situation in Northeast India.
Northeast is reeling under sever power shortfall as couple of power plants are under maintenance. There is dry spell and hot weather condition in the region.
Assam power minister, Pradyut Bordoloi said, “Assam brings around 520 MW from the Northeastern grid running through the chicken neck of Siliguri however the day BJP government took oath there was a directive from the National load dispatch centre (NLDC) restricting the corridor so as to allow transaction only up to 290 MW. NLDC has not given any reason for this restriction.
Assam has to resort to load shedding for several hours to tide over the crisis. Bordoloi added, “We have dashed letter to the power ministry and I have personally met officials there and sought to restore the pre May 26 position.”The minister added North Eastern Electric Power Corporation’s (NEEPCO) kopilli hydro electric power and ONGC’s Palatana gas based project is under maintenance. Assam is facing acute power shortage of around 55 percent of power.
The minister alleged that BJP government is insensitive towards Northeast India. “We want the BJP to make its stand clear on 2000 MW Lower Subansari hydro electric project the works of which has been stalled since last two years.”
NHPC’s Lower Subansiri project is facing massive opposition from the anti dam groups. He added, “BJP government must give coal linkage to 500 MW proposed thermal power project in Margeritha. All Assam Students Union which is opposing the Lower Subansiri project must also clear its stand clear for opposition to power project and demand for power cannot go hand in hand.”