OPGC to shut down one unit of ITPS for coal shortage

Bhubaneswar: Due to severe coal shortage and disruption in coal supply, OPGC is likely to shut down a unit of Ib Thermal Power Station (ITPS) at Banharpalli in Jharsuguda from Sunday.

24,000 MT coal is required for operating all the units of OPGC comprising 210 MW x 2 and 660 MW x2. However, after a discussion with the state government and MCL authorities, MCL failed to supply the required coal.

As a result, one unit of OPGC is likely to be shut down for an uncertain period of time from tomorrow afternoon. It seems Odisha is going to face severe power crisis in the coming days.

Notably, coal despatch has been affected at MCL’s Talcher coalfields and IB Valley coalfields due to protests by the locals over several reasons.

Residents of Ubuda village on Friday stopped mining operations at Quarry No. 6 of Lakhanpur OCP under Lakhanpur Area of Ib Valley Coalfields in Jharsuguda district, demanding employment beyond R&R Policy of Government of Odisha.