No power shortage for Games, assures govt

Dismissing concerns that mega upcoming power projects in Delhi could miss the Commonwealth Games deadline after a series of delays, the government has claimed that the Aravali project and Dadri’s second unit would start supplying power to the capital by October when the sporting event takes place.

Three units of the Bawana power station with a generation capacity of 750 MW are also expected to be commissioned by September this year while another 500 MW plant in Jhajjar power station will be completed by October, just in time for the Games.

However, the other three units of the Bawana plant will be commissioned by March next year only along with a 250MW plant at Jhajjar. This may aggravate power shortage in the capital in the peak summer months from April to June. With Delhi likely to see a peak demand of 4800MW this year, the government was banking heavily on these projects.

But before the Games, the government claims, Delhi will have additional power. ‘‘The demand in October will be moderate. Moreover, the Centre has blocked its unallocated power for the Capital during that period. Delhi will have more than sufficient power available. All stadiums where the events take place also have up to two to three back-ups,’’ said an official.

Like all Games projects, the power plants too have been delayed. According to officials, the first unit of the Bawana plant that should have been completed by March-end, would now be commissioned only by July. The 1,500 MW Jhajjar plant from where Delhi is to get 750 MW will be ready only after July. Similarly, the second unit of Dadri Phase-II would be ready by July-end. The 108MW NDPL power plant will now be completed in July.