Bengaluru: In the wake of widespread drought in karnataka, the state Cabinet on Monday approved a proposal for load shedding even in urban areas, including Bengaluru city. At present, the Cabinet has given consent for two hours load shedding in Bengaluru, while it would be eight hours in rural areas.
Speaking to reporters, Law Minister Mr T B Jayachandra said that though the state had 10189 MW installed power production capacity, the production has been around 6600 mw to 7300 mw. The state was facing over 3000 mw generation deficit. To make up the deficit, the government would be spending Rs 247 crore every month and the financial implication of this till May 2016 would be Rs 3070 crore.
Under such circumstances, the Cabinet has consented to the purchase of power from private parties at a cost of Rs 5.08 per unit. Besides, load shedding was inevitable. In a day or two, the Energy Department would come out with details of load schedule, he said.
Meanwhile, the state is witnessing the worst drought in the last 44 years, indicating a severe drinking water shortage. The government had already notified 135 taluks as drought hit. Barring three or four districts, all other districts have received deficit rainfall.
Worse is the receding level of water in almost all reservoirs. Compared to last year, there is deficit of over 56% in water storage. In some reservoirs, the deficit is 88 per cent. The CM will convene a meeting to tackle the drinking water problem.
