New Delhi, October 9 (IANS). The Coal Ministry on Friday said there has been a significant improvement in coal supply to power plants during October and some media reports about fears of power crisis are misleading. The Coal Ministry said in an official statement that the supply of coal in October has been on an average 9 per cent higher than that of September and has registered an increase of about 36 per cent compared to the low level of September.
The ministry clarified that despite concerns being expressed about low coal stocks in power plants, the supply system is continuously strengthening and the situation is being closely monitored by the Central Government.
According to the official statement, coal transportation through railways has increased to an average level of more than 465 rakes per day in October. Not only this, the target of 470 rakes per day was achieved for three consecutive days. Improvement in coal supply has also been seen through other means including road.
The pace of reduction in coal stock has also slowed down considerably. While the stock of power plants was decreasing by 0.243 million tonnes per day in September, it has come down to 0.116 million tonnes per day in October. The ministry says the situation is gradually stabilizing, although actual reconstruction in the reserves has not yet begun.
The ministry also clarified that inclusion of a power plant in the 'critical stock' category does not mean that it has run out of coal or is on the verge of closure. This is simply an early warning signal, which is issued when the stock in the plant remains below the prescribed standard level.
According to the statement, special monitoring is being maintained on such plants and adequate supply is being ensured to sensitive power plants by redistributing coal as per requirement, so that power generation is not affected.
The ministry believes that the situation may further improve with the end of monsoon and possible reduction in peak power demand by mid-October. If the supply of 465-475 rakes per day continues, the coal reserves will be strengthened ahead of the festival season, winter and summer demand next year.
The Coal Ministry said it is continuously monitoring the availability and logistics of coal across the country in coordination with the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Power with the aim of ensuring that power generation anywhere is not affected due to shortage of coal.
–IANS
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