Chandigarh [ Punjab]: The centre has assured Punjab that the state would face no shortage of electricity and coal supplies. The assurance was given by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann when the latter met the Union Minister in New Delhi yesterday. Mr Mann emphasised that Punjab is supplying 180 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of rice to the Central Pool this year, for which reliable electricity is essential for the state to sustain its contribution to the nation’s food reserves.
Issues regarding the repeated NGT (National Green Tribunal) notices concerning the Shahpur Kandi Dam were also discussed. The chief minister said that once a dam has been constructed, the state should not have to face repeated notices from environmental authorities or the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Mr. Mann said Punjab contributes around 40% of the country’s hydropower generation and the smooth functioning and development of our hydropower projects are important for the state as well as the country. He has invited the Union Power Minister to visit the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dam projects in Punjab.
[AIR News]