PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 16: Industries at Adityapur in adjoining Seraikela- Kharsawan are facing production loss and are unable to meet order schedules due to the acute power crisis, of late.
The power crisis is not only affecting common people but also the industries that depend on the state-owned electricity distribution company- Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL).
Industry sources said the situation has become grim this summer with the production of around 900 companies going down by almost 50 percent due to power shortage.
“Inadequate power supply has seriously affected production in most companies. Those companies that largely depend on electricity supply by Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited are the worst affected. Such companies are finding it hard to run production. While those companies with good resources avail power supply by Tata Steel UISL.”
A senior functionary of Adityapur Small Industries Association (ASIA) said using diesel generators for running the plant is a costly affair and very few companies opt for it.
He went on to say that talks are on with JBVNL but it is not clear how long it will take the power scenario to become normal.
Several industry owners that supply spare parts to Tata Motors admitted that they were facing production losses and were unable to meet schedules due to the power crisis.
Meanwhile, last night’s Nor’wester caused damage to power infrastructure. The strong storm accompanied by torrential rains caused damage to electricity poles and overhead cables resulting in power outages.
The power crisis caused by last night’s Nor’wester at the industrial area was yet to become normal at the time of filing the report.