Ramagundam: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao visited the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited at Ramagundam on Saturday.
He inspected the ongoing construction works of the first phase of the Telangana Super Thermal Power Plant, which was allotted to Telangana state as part of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Mr Rao enquired about the progress of plant works which is being constructed to fulfil the power needs of TS and about the production of power that was going in various power sectors of Genco. He later chaired a review meeting with officials of the NTPC, Transco and Genco and directed them to complete the project works as early as possible.
It is to be noted that in the part of the AP Reorganisation Act, a 4,000 MW super power plant was sanctioned to Telangana state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 inaugurated the construction works. However, TS only undertook 1,600 MW. The project is being built with an investment of `10,598.98 crore.
After seeking the opinion of people in 2015, officials began construction works. About 2 tmc ft of water was allotted for the power station from the Yellampalli project. The project also got environment clearance certificate. Presently, construction work of the first phase of the 800 MW power plant is in progress.
The chairman and managing director of NTPC, Gurdeep Singh, Telangana state Chief Secretary S.K. Joshi and Transco and Genco CMD D. Prabhakar Rao, CM Office Chief Secretary Smitha Sabharwal and CMD of Sinagreni Collieries Company Limited N. Sridhar accompanied Mr Rao.
Need to change coal allotment, says KCR
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday demanded that the Central government bring changes in coal allotment system required for power plants so that production cost can be brought down. He said, “I will take initiation after the formation of a new government at the Centre.”
Mr Rao in the review meeting with officials of NTPC, Transco and Genco at NTPC said, “The demand for power is increasing in Telangana. The Centre should supply 2,000 MW power from NTPC. In turn the TS government will give permission to NTPC for production of solar power on irrigation projects and reservoirs in Telangana.” It will take a year for the 800 MW capacity power plant to supply power.
Super Thermal power plant that is being built is able to produce power. The Kaleshwaram project expected to be completed by July requires 6,000 MW of power. The Centre must allot 2,000 MW of electricity, Mr Rao added.
The process of allotment of coal is also not correct. Instead of allotting coal from Singareni Collieries in the state, the Centre is supplying coal from Mandakini coal mines from neighbouring Orissa which is 950 kms away from Ramagundam, due to which cost of production is increasing.
Coal should be brought from the least distance to decrease the cost of production. The purpose of pit-head establishment is meant for that, the CM said.
There is a need to bring certain reforms in allotment of coal to power plants across the country, Mr Rao said.
