'Power projects hit by coal shortage'

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 42nd Foundation Day of Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), she said “There is no proper communication by the suppliers and the quality of coal is not good. When we met the Prime Minister recently, we explained the problem and suggested that they nationalise these quarries, which will ensure constant and cheap supply of coal,” she said.

She said that the Prime Minister had agreed to consider the proposal by the State. The Minister further said that all existing and proposed coal -based power projects had been affected and despite requests, the representatives of private companies had not come forward for a meeting.

Demand-supply gap

“There is a large gap between supply and demand,” she said. Later speaking at the event, Shobha pointed out that if the required amount of coal was sanctioned, then work on many of the projects like Yermaras, Yedlapur and Jewargi could begin immediately.