Maharashtra govt may not be able to meet 2012 power target

Mumbai: The government has been claiming a load-shedding free Maharashtra by 2012, but the provision in the budget indicates otherwise.Three of its major power generation plants, with consolidated generation of more than 4,000mw, are expected to be commissioned not before 2014-15, the budget document states.

The government expects 1,200mw power from Uran Gas Project, 1,320mw from a thermal power project in Dhule, and 1,600mw from a thermal power project in Ratangiri by 2014-15.

Though it has claimed that land acquisition is underway for the thermal projects, the ground reality is otherwise.

The acquisition has been facing resistance from the locals, and the department has no clarity on the other administrative aspects of the project.