Karnataka to buy 300 MW from Punjab

MADIKERI: The demand for a separate Telangana state has worsened the power crisis in Karnataka, with Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje announcing on Friday that the state government is all set to purchase 300 MW from Punjab.Speaking after the inauguration of the 220 KV sub-station of CESC in Madikeri on Friday, the Minister said, “We have no option other than buying power from  other states like Punjab. The state government depends on coal supply from the Union Government and at times F Grade coal is supplied, which is mixed with water. “Also, the Telangana agitation has hit the state badly as coal comes through the railway line from Simhadri and Rajapura in Andhra Pradesh, and alternative ways have not been found as yet,” she explained.Karandlaje said that the thermal units in Udupi and Bellary will generate 500 MW by the end of December, which will in turn improve the situation, adding that the third and fourth units at Raichur and Bellary are presently in the final stages. This has led to unscheduled power cuts in Bangalore and across the state for the last three days.