Rajasthan is once again grappling with a power crisis due to insufficient coal supply, with two power plants in the state left with less than a day’s worth of coal. The critical situation has prompted the Rajasthan Power Corporation, led by Chairman and Managing Director AK Sharma, to take urgent measures.
To address the coal demand, AK Sharma visited Chhattisgarh on Thursday, as the majority of coal supply for Rajasthan’s power plants comes from mines in Chhattisgarh. Speaking to the media during discussions, he expressed concern over the ongoing coal crisis in the state, emphasizing that the situation has escalated to the point where there is less than a day’s worth of coal.
Rajasthan relies on Chhattisgarh mines for a significant portion of its coal supply, with 7,580 megawatts of power plants producing 4,340 megawatts of electricity. The remaining 3,240 megawatts are supplied by Coal India Limited. Sharma highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that if 50% of the coal supply is disrupted, meeting Rajasthan’s energy needs would become a significant challenge.
Currently, only one mine is operational in the second phase of Parsa East Ketevasan Extension (PEKB), exacerbating the coal shortage. AK Sharma emphasized the difficulties in starting a new mine due to decreasing coal availability and a shortage in its supply.
This power crisis marks a renewed challenge for the Rajasthan government, prompting Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to seek cooperation. In a letter to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma requested assistance in operating PEKB without hindrance. The situation underscores the urgency for collaborative efforts to address the coal shortage and avert a severe power crisis in the state.
