Power crisis looms large in Uttaranchal

A sudden rise in the water level of most of rivers including the Ganga and the Yamuna in Uttaranchal following heavy rains has forced the closure of six power stations, raising the spectre of an impending power crisis in the state.

Six power stations, including Chibro (240 MW), have been shut as the river waters rose dangerously carrying a large amount of silt due to incessant rains.

"Six power station have been closed due to floods," confirmed a Power Ministry official.Besides Chibro, other major power plants which have been closed include Ramganga (198 MW).

All the six power stations produce 500 MW. When contacted officials of Uttaranchal Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) said the state is now mainly dependent on the central pool for the power supply. While there had been minor power breakdowns in Dehra Dun and other cities, rural and hilly areas are worst affected by the power crisis, the officials said.

"If the rains continue for another one or two days, then the power situation will become grim," a UPCL official said.Meanwhile, heavy rains continued to lash Uttaranchal for the third consecutive day today raising the water levels of both Ganga and Yamuna above the danger mark at several places.

The Rishikesh, the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda, the two main tributaries of Ganga, are also flowing two to four meters below the danger level in Tehri, Karnprayag, Rudraprayag, Srinagar and other places.