The fact that the collapse of the Northern Grid on Monday and then three grids on Tuesday happened in two consecutive days, shows that we live in our country on dangerously ‘Chalta Hai ‘ attitude.
Mr Dhoot said that “ASSOCHAM calls for fixing accountability immediately because the failure of the grids did not happen because of any natural disaster, but due to callous approach by some state utilities overdrawing power from the grid… It is quite unfortunate that some states overdraw power from the inter-state transmission lines without paying for the same and then causing huge loss to the nation.”
He also said such a wide scale power failure not only causes immense inconvenience to the common-man but also puts his life into risk. He added that “We saw how our brave coal-miners suffered just because some irresponsible people caused the three important grids to collapse. Our city dwellers who are such an important part of our economy were put to severe hardships yesterday in Delhi, Kolkata and several other cities.”
The ASSOCHAM President called for handling of the problems on two counts. One, carry out the long-pending power reforms without further delays and second,brooking no lapse on the part of officials incharge of the system.
Mr Dhoot said that “On the one hand, we as a nation aspire to grow at 9-10 per cent and on the other hand, we show no seriousness in the power sector, which only enables the economy to grow…With losses of Rs one lakh crore and accumulated debt of over Rs two lakh crore, of the state electricity boards, the problem seems to have assumed insurmountable proportions.”
He said at the Central level, ASSOCHAM would request honourable Prime Miniser Manmohan Singh to immediately appoint a full-time minister incharge of one of the most key portfolios, as the country cannot afford any more laxity in the entire energy sector.
As it is, the economy is grappling with several challenges of demand slowdown, investment aversion and currency depreciation. He said that “On top of all this energy shortage could take us back in terms of growth profile several years and we cannot afford it.”
As far as the power grids are concerned, Mr Dhoot said that “we need to have seamless back-up plans ready. If one grid fails the other should be able to automatically take load…This is important not only for the industry but for the essential services like railways, metro trains, hospitals and water supply.”
Source - ASSOCHAM
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