The requirement for electricity has increased due to scorching summer heat while there is coal shortage in Maharashtra.
The power stations have hardly coal stocks for about two days. Therefore, the Central Government should supply coal to Maharashtra so as to avoid load-shedding situation, demanded Dr Nitin Raut, Power Minister.
While speaking to mediapersons here on Friday on Friday, the Power Minister claimed that the load-shedding situation has arisen due to the Centre. Maharashtra purchased 760 MW electricity from Gujarat and instructions have been given to authorities concered to generate 500 MW power from the the existing coal stocks.
I have kept April 19 as deadline for making Maharashtra free from load-shedding. He said that he would be able to tell about the efforts made by him on that date.
While replying to the criticism made by BJP leader and Union Minister Raosaheb Danve on the issue of load-shedding, Dr Raut stated that the whole country was facing coal shortage. It is a fact the the coal from mines under the control of the Centre is not being supplied to the State. He asked as to why the Centre told the State to import coal when there is no shortage.
