To ensure round-the-clock power supply in rural areas for domestic consumption, the Madhya Pradesh government has sought a loan of $400 million (Rs 18.65 billion) from Asian Development Bank for second phase of feeder separation. The state has started first phase of the project that envisaged to separate domestic power lines with those of agriculture consumer lines. As many as 7,000 feeders of 11 kv capacity are to be separated under the project by 2012. An amount of Rs 4300 crore is expected for the project.
“Once power feeder are separated rural areas will be supplied round-the-clock power for domestic consumption while agriculture consumers will get at least eight hours of power supply for power-run irrigation pumps, state has obtained in-principle approval for a loan of $400 million and a financial assistance from Central government Rural Electrification project. The first phase of feeder separation project will be completed by 2012,” a government official said. At present, rural areas receives only two to six hours of power against the claims of the government to maintain six hours of regular power supply. The load-shedding makes it difficult for both domestic and agriculture consumers in rural areas. “The first phase will cost at least Rs 1,830 crore and a similar amount of fund is required for second phase of the project,” the official said adding, “So far only 300 feeders have been separated.” However power shortage widened with frequent power cuts in the districts and tehsils.
