Punjab Chief Minister Assures No Power Shortage After Meeting with Union Minister

New Delhi, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated on Thursday that the state will not face any power shortages. This assurance comes after a meeting with Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal, during which the central government promised a continuous supply of electricity and coal.

Mann emphasized that Punjab is contributing 18 million metric tons of rice to the central pool this year. For this contribution to be sustained, a reliable electricity supply is essential.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over repeated notices from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the Shahpur Kandi Dam. He noted that the state government is in contact with Coal India and the Jharkhand government to ensure a steady supply of coal.

Sharing insights from the meeting, Mann said, “I had a significant discussion with Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal. We addressed issues related to the uninterrupted supply of electricity and coal for Punjab. We informed the center that Punjab contributes 18 million metric tons of rice to the national food stock, and maintaining this requires a consistent power supply. I am pleased that the minister accepted most of our demands and assured us of a steady supply of electricity and coal. We reiterated our commitment to continue supporting the national food stock.”

Following the meeting, Mann discussed various issues concerning the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), particularly coal supply and electricity. He stressed the importance of ensuring that there are no shortages of coal or electricity, allowing power production to continue without interruption.

“We are in touch with Coal India and the Jharkhand government for coal supply from the Pachwara mines. Our priority is to ensure that coal supply remains uninterrupted, which is vital for continuous power generation in Punjab. I am glad that the Union Energy Minister has assured us of sufficient and consistent power and coal supply,” he added.

Mann also raised issues related to the central government’s schemes being implemented at the national level during the meeting.

He invited Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to visit the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dam projects in Punjab. He expressed that once the dams are completed, the state should not receive repeated notices from environmental authorities or the NGT, which has caused unnecessary complications for ongoing projects.

Mann highlighted that Punjab contributes nearly 40 percent of the country’s hydropower production. Discussing these issues with the Union Energy Minister is crucial for the smooth operation and development of hydropower projects, which are important for both the state and the nation.

Responding to questions regarding the incidents in Bargari and Behbal Kalan, Mann stated that these events occurred under previous governments. He noted that the subsequent Congress government weakened these cases, necessitating a fresh approach to strengthen them with new witnesses.

Despite receiving invitations to significant events, Mann lamented the lack of permission for foreign travel. He mentioned an upcoming food festival in Paris where Punjab’s Markfed will have a stall, and he received an invitation from the French government to attend.

“It is unfortunate that permissions for trips related to Punjab’s interests are not being granted, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently visits countries we may not have even heard of. A Chief Minister wanting to represent the state and attract investment should be allowed to travel for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Mann has approached the court for permission to travel, hoping for a positive response. He aims to attract investors to Punjab, creating job opportunities for the youth.

Condemning a recent tragic incident in Mansa, Mann asserted that strict action will be taken against all responsible individuals. He criticized opposition parties for politicizing the tragedy for their own gain and emphasized the need for accountability and the rule of law.

Present at the meeting were Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr. Ravi Bhagat, and other senior officials.