Big power projects' work to restart in Uttar Pradesh from April 20

TNN | Updated: Apr 16, 2020, 10:59 IST

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LUCKNOW: UP power minister Shrikant Sharma on Wednesday green signalled resumption of big power projects in the state from April 20, the date set by the Centre to restart major construction projects which were suspended during the lockdown.
In the first phase, the projects pertaining to meet the rise in power demand would be taken up. "The demand for power is increasing gradually with the onset of summers. The works which are important in view of the high power demand may be taken up immediately from April 20," Sharma said.
The decision was taken at a review meeting of the power department held at Shakti Bhawan in Lucknow. According to Sharma, department would start the construction of key power generating units, besides expediting work on transmission and distribution network to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
"The work would restart while maintaining the guidelines of social distancing," he said. Sharma has ordered the deployment of doctors at the spots where the number of labourers is more. Also, the department would make residential arrangements for the workers engaged in construction of power projects. The department would also ensure regular sanitisation of construction sites, Sharma said.
The minister said the power department would establish proper coordination with the district authorities while carrying out power projects. He said the contractual staff may also be hired to expedite the projects. "The contractual staff will be given salary on time so that they do not face any problem," he said.
He said that work would be expedited on under-construction power generating units for their timely completion.