Khaira seeks white paper on thermal plant shutdown

AMRITSAR: Leader of opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday urged the three-member cabinet sub-committee headed by health minister Brahm Mohindra to issue a white paper on the reasons for closing down the thermal power plants at Bathinda and Rupnagar.

Condemning the Congress government’s move, Khaira said the decision to shut down these plants should be first debated on the floor of the House.

“It is astonishing that although the Government of India recently spent ₹750 crore for renovation and modernisation of Bathinda thermal plant, which can produce electricity till 2025, the state government is shutting it down,” he said in a statement, adding that the decision was unfortunate.

The AAP leader also wondered what the Punjab government would do with its 750 million tonnes coal quota being allocated shortly, as it can only be used for state owned plants.

He said the PSPCl had also got ₹1,100 crore shock from Larson & Turbo subsidiary Nabha Power Limited (NPL) as coal washing cost.

The Punjab State Electricity Board Engineers’ Association said has also asked the government to issue a white paper on the decision. They also plan to wear black badges on January 1 as mark of protest.

It is astonishing that although the Centre recently spent ₹750 crore for renovation of Bathinda thermal plant, the state government is shutting it down. SUKHPAL SINGH KHAIRA, leader of opposition