Date:17/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/17/stories/2008071754420600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

A.P. Cabinet decides against power cuts at night

Special Correspondent

Resolves to avoid power cuts between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m

No power stations suffered from coal shortage
Cabinet pins hopes on forecast of rain

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday decided against imposing power cuts on domestic/commercial sectors at night and to postpone stoppage of generation by the Simhadri project’s second unit for its annual overhauling, as planned by the NTPC.

With a capacity of 1,000 MW, the coal-based Simhadri project always plays a key role in power supply and the State, therefore, can’t afford the backing out of its second unit (500 MW) for overhauling at this crucial hour, the Cabinet resolved. The overhauling has been now put off to July 31. The Cabinet resolved to avoid power cuts between 6 and 11 p.m. It noted that no power stations suffered from coal shortage. Briefing the media, Energy Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir said the Cabinet reviewed the monsoon failure with concern and pinned hopes on fresh forecast that there would be rain now and towards month-end. Already Anantapur recorded 12 cm rain on Tuesday.

The Cabinet resolved to distribute ration cards to ‘left out’ families from August 1, taking into consideration the enhanced income limits — Rs. 65,000 for villages and Rs. 75,000 for urban areas. Centres would be opened all over the State to take photographs of applicants and cards issued on August 15.

It approved release of Rs. 400 crore for the Rajiv Arogyasri scheme, which was already provided Rs. 450 crore in the budget. The scheme would cover the entire State, benefiting over 90 per cent of the population. It decided to allow a part of Rs. 80 crore going to Gandhi and Osmania Hospitals towards bypass surgeries conducted under the scheme, to doctors and nurses, as reward.