210MW unit at Lehra Mohabbat power plant shut after tower collapse

WHEN THE ESP CRASHED THE STAFF WAS IN TRANSIT FOR THE SHIFT CHANGE, HENCE CASUALTY WAS AVERTED

BATHINDA: Power generation at the Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant (GHTP) at Lehra Mohabbat, 25km from in Bathinda, was hit after its second unit was shut down on Friday night.

According to official sources, the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) tower of the unit number 2 that produces 210MW of power collapsed at 9.15pm. ESP handles coal ash at the thermal power facility.

Though the chief engineer of the plant, MS Dhiman, was unavailable for comment, sources said that when the ESP crashed the staff was in transit for the shift change, hence casualty was averted.

The plant has four units. The rest of the units are functional.

An official spokesperson of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) said the third unit of Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) in Mansa district generating 660 MW started generating power on Saturday evening.

The unit was closed for annual overhauling.