On Monday, the work of transporting coal is in progress in the coal mines of Central Coal Limited (CIL) in Bharkunda area of Ramgarh district.
The southern states of India including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala may face the problem of power shortage in the coming days if these areas come due to shortage of coal. These states have coal reserves for an average of 4 to 7 days, however, if the supply is not desired in future, it could lead to power crisis in these regions.
First let’s talk about Karnataka, sensing this crisis, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has demanded the central government to allocate 14 rakes of coal per day to the state. 1 rake comes with 4,000 tonnes of coal.
There are three thermal power stations in the state, Raichur, Ballari and Eramras power stations. These three stations generate about 5020 MW of electricity per day, and require 11 rakes of coal, Karnataka is currently supplied with 6 to 10 rakes of coal. Due to which the use of reserve coal has started in all the three plants. The state has received good rains in the last 10 days, leading to an increase in power generation at hydroelectric power plants.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu usually has a reserve stock of 2 to 3 weeks of coal, but due to short supply of coal, only 4 to 5 days of reserve are left. Meanwhile, Chennai, Mettur and Tuticorin produced 4320 MW of electricity. There is a reserve stock of 3 to 5 days, officials say that in view of the current supply, electricity can be given for 10 days without any interruption, but after that there may be trouble.
Andra Pradesh
The problem is greater in Andhra Pradesh as it is getting only 40,000 tonnes of coal as against the desired 70,000 tonnes. Last week, three power stations had to be closed due to shortage of coal. Presently Andhra Pradesh has only 2 days stock left. CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has appealed to the central government for immediate coal supply.
Kerala
Kerala is keeping a close watch on the situation and an appeal has been made to the common people to spend electricity wisely, otherwise there may be a crisis in future.
During the evening hours, known as peak hours, Kerala faces a power deficit of 120 to 200 MW. According to officials, supply is possible from the current stock, but if this problem persists for a long time, then the government will have to take some tough steps.
Telangana
At present the situation is under control. To help neighboring Andhra Pradesh, 34 rakes of coal per day instead of 30 are being produced and supplied from the Singareni coal mine on the instructions of the central government.
Earlier in the day, Home Minister Amit Shah held an hour-long meeting with the Power Minister, Coal Minister and other officials over concerns of possible coal shortage and power crisis.
The three ministers are believed to have discussed the availability of coal to power plants and the current power demands. Power Minister RK Singh had said yesterday that the issue of shortage of coal in the country is being highlighted.
read also | In the hour-long meeting, Amit Shah discussed the concerns of coal shortage, power cut with the ministers
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