Bihar to generate additional 3,960 MW of power
By IANSWednesday, December 15, 2010
PATNA - Power-starved Bihar is to set up three new thermal power plants to generate 3,960 MW of energy, an official said Wednesday.
The plants, of 1,320 MW each, will be set up at Kajra in Lakhisarai, Piparpainti in Bhagalpur and Chusa in Buxar districts, an energy department official said.
While the state has a daily requirement of 2,000 MW, it produces only 150-200 MW of power. The centre supplies around 1,000-1,200 MW.
During the election campaign for the October-November state assembly polls, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had promised to light up every village of the state by 2015.
“All three power plants will be facilitated through the Bihar Power Infrastructure Company,” the official said.
The state cabinet has approved the proposal for acquiring land for setting up the three power plants.
“The land for the power projects has been identified and the acquisition process will be started after a notification is issued,” the official added.
The state government would demand coal linkages from the centre after issuing the notification for land acquisition.
Millions in Bihar are still living in lantern age as electricity has become a luxury for people in most parts of state. Capital Patna is an exception of sorts, but most small towns and district headquarters are hit badly due to the power shortage.
