Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Saturday said that she was personally monitoring the power situation, and the demand-supply gap of 3,500 MW would be fully bridged soon, freeing the State from power cuts.
Taking future requirements into account, the State government was also planning to implement various projects to generate about 3,860 MW and these would be commissioned by end of 2015. “Soon, Tamil Nadu will regain its pride of place as a power surplus State.
She was campaigning for the AIADMK candidate in the Pudukottai Assembly constituency where a by-election will be held on June 12.
Blaming the previous DMK regime for the present situation, Ms. Jayalalithaa said that her government had expedited the 1000 MW Vallur Thermal Power project. The first unit would commence production by July and the second, November. The third unit would follow soon.
The two units of the 1,200 MW North Chennai and the third unit of the Mettur thermal power projects would also begin power generation soon. The Kudankulam nuclear power project had reached the final stages and generation was set to begin in the first two units soon.
“Situation has eased”
Over the past few weeks, an improvement in wind power generation had eased the power situation. The Mettur thermal power station, which was hit by a fire accident, had resumed generation, thanks to repair works taken up on a war footing. All these had helped in reducing load shedding for domestic consumers from four to three hours and withdrawal of power holiday for high and low tension industries.
In a whirlwind campaign during which she crisscrossed the length and breadth of the constituency, Ms. Jayalalithaa concentrated on highlighting her government's achievements and reassuring people on the power situation.
She refrained from making any reference to the DMDK, the only major Opposition party that is contesting the by-election.
She took a dig at the DMK for boycotting the by-election. “Over the past one year, we have so many achievements and implemented several welfare schemes. That is why DMK president M. Karunanidhi, who said the Sankarakoil by-election will be a referendum on the performance of the AIADMK government, could not face the by-poll now and chose to walk away.”
“Promises fulfilled”
Listing welfare and development schemes implemented by her government, she said: “We are implementing our promises step by step and you are enjoying the benefits of the schemes now. The rule of law has been upheld in the State, putting an end to the atrocities of land grabbers of the previous regime. But, I know there is slight resentment among you over power cuts.”
Touching upon local demands such as the implementation of the Coleroon-Cauvery Surplus Water Scheme, renovation of the Agniaru and Ambuliyar rivers, laying of a ring road for Pudukottai and establishment of a mofussil bus stand, she said, “I am aware of the issues and steps will be taken to improve all civic needs of the people of Pudukottai.”
The government had sanctioned special assistance of Rs.50 crore for improving basic amenities to mark the centenary year of the Pudukottai Municipality. During 2011-12, Rs.16 crore was sanctioned for various amenities in the town. Describing Pudukottai as an AIADMK fortress, she appealed to voters to ensure that all other candidates lost their deposit.
Ms. Jayalalithaa addressed roadside meetings at about 10 places, covering a substantial portion of the Karambakudi union, a support base of the former CPI MLA, S.P. Muthukumaran, whose death necessitated the by-election.