Lower electricity generation due to drought, higher demand has led to power shortage: K'taka CM
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka is facing a shortage of power as electricity generation has come down due to drought, while the demand has shot up, and the government is trying to address the situation by purchasing power from both inside and outside the state, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday.
He said that an order has been issued asking those generating power in the state to supply it to the government.
"Electricity generation has reduced, while the demand has increased. It is because of deficit rainfall and due increase in demand like it happens during summer. The consumption demand now is 15,000-16,000 MW, compared to 9,000 to 10,000 MW during the corresponding period last year, so this has led to some issue," Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said he has called a meeting with energy department officials to discuss purchasing power from outside.
"We have also issued an order recently that those generating power in the state should supply it to the government. We will purchase power and try to address the issue," he added.
Alleging that BJP's criticism of his government on the issue was political in nature, the chief minister in response to a question said he doesn't want to respond to them.
"Are they aware of the ground reality? There is drought, no rain, this has led to the problem, but we are still supplying electricity. However, we are unable to provide three phase power for seven hours as said," he added.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
