North India braces for a major power crisis due to torrential rains

New Delhi: North India is bracing for yet another major power crisis following the sudden heavy onset of monsoon. The country's biggest hydropower plant, the Nathpa Jhakri power project, in Himachal Pradesh was forced to shut down following torrential rains and heavy silting in the Sutlej river.

The power plant generated the highest amount of electricity this season and supplies electricity to most of North India, including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. Authorities have given no time limit and claim the plant will remain shut until the situation improves.

Arriving almost a fortnight in advance than its usual date, the southwest monsoon brought heavy rains in several parts of North India.