New Delhi/Punjab, October 15
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said the state would face no shortage of electricity, as the Union Government had assured uninterrupted power and coal supplies following his meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Highlighting Punjab’s contribution of 180 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of rice to the Central Pool this year, the Chief Minister stressed that a reliable electricity supply was essential to sustain the state’s contribution to the country’s food reserves.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also raised concerns over repeated notices issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning the Shahpur Kandi Dam project. He said the state government was in touch with Coal India and the Jharkhand Government to ensure a continuous supply of coal.
Sharing details of the meeting, the Chief Minister said, “Today, I held an important meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Ji and had a constructive discussion on issues concerning the uninterrupted supply of electricity and coal to Punjab. We apprised the Centre that Punjab contributes 180 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the national food pool, and uninterrupted power supply is essential to sustain this contribution. I am pleased that the Minister has accepted almost all our demands and assured us of an uninterrupted supply of electricity and coal. We, in turn, reaffirmed our commitment that Punjab will continue to make a significant contribution to the nation’s food reserves. Inquilab Zindabad.”
watch…..ਸੰਗਰੂਰ ਬਣੇਗਾ ਸਕੇਟਿੰਗ ਹੱਬ, ਧੂਰੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਣ ਰਿਹਾ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਪੱਧਰੀ ਸਕੇਟਿੰਗ ਟਰੈਕ: CM ਮਾਨ
Uninterrupted Power and Coal Supply a Priority
After the meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said several issues concerning the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), particularly coal availability and electricity supply, were discussed.
“Our objective is to ensure that Punjab faces no shortage of coal or electricity and that power generation continues without disruption. Punjab supplies 180 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the Central Pool, and uninterrupted electricity is essential for producing such a huge quantity of foodgrain,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the state government was coordinating with Coal India and the Jharkhand Government regarding coal supplies from the Pachhwara coal mines. He said ensuring a steady supply was essential for maintaining uninterrupted electricity generation.
“I am pleased that the Union Power Minister has assured us of adequate and continuous supplies of electricity and coal. We have also assured the Centre that Punjab will continue to make a significant contribution towards meeting the country’s foodgrain requirements,” he said.
He added that issues concerning the implementation of Central Government schemes were also discussed during the meeting.
Seeks Resolution of Issues Related to Shahpur Kandi Dam
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he had invited Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to visit the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dam projects in Punjab.
“Once a dam has been constructed, the state should not have to face repeated notices from environmental authorities or the National Green Tribunal. We receive one notice or another almost every year concerning the ongoing project, which creates unnecessary difficulties,” he said.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Punjab contributes around 40 per cent of the country’s hydropower generation. He said the smooth functioning and development of hydropower projects were important for both Punjab and the nation.
Fresh Efforts to Strengthen Bargari and Behbal Kalan Cases
Responding to questions about the Bargari and Behbal Kalan incidents, the Chief Minister said the incidents had occurred under previous governments and alleged that the subsequent Congress government had weakened the cases.
“We now have to rebuild them. In the coming days, we will present challans by bringing in new witnesses and adopting a fresh approach so that these cases can be strengthened,” he said.
Seeks Permission for Overseas Visits to Promote Punjab
Responding to questions about permission to travel abroad for official engagements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said he had been invited to attend a food festival in Paris, where Markfed would set up a stall to represent Punjab. He also said he had received an invitation from the French Government to attend the event.
Additionally, he said he had been invited to Japan for three days to watch the women’s and men’s hockey semi-finals and the final.
watch…..ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ 154 ਨਵੇਂ ਆਮ ਆਦਮੀ ਕਲੀਨਿਕ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਰਪਿਤ, ਕੁੱਲ ਗਿਣਤੀ 1,244 ਹੋਈ: ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਮਾਨ
“It is unfortunate that permission to travel for Punjab’s interests is not being granted, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi keeps visiting countries whose names we have hardly even heard of. A Chief Minister seeking to represent the state, attract investment and create employment opportunities should be able to undertake such visits in the interest of the people,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that he had approached the court and hoped permission would be granted the following day.
“We want to travel only for Punjab’s betterment, attract investors to the state and encourage them to establish businesses here. This will generate employment opportunities for the people of Punjab, particularly our young men and women,” he said.
Strict Action Assured in Mansa Incident
Condemning the tragic incident in Mansa, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that strict action would be taken against everyone responsible.
“The incident is extremely tragic, and strict action will be taken against everyone responsible. No one involved will be spared. If anyone was involved in planning or conspiring behind the incident, in addition to those directly responsible, that person will also be brought within the ambit of the law and face stringent action,” he said.
The Chief Minister criticised opposition parties for allegedly politicising the tragedy, saying the government’s priority was to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.
Senior Officials Present
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Ravi Bhagat and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
