46 racks carrying 2 lakh MT of coal to power station, stuck at farmers held protest
The six-hour Rail Roko protest called by the Sumyukta Kisan Morcha over Lakhimpur violence affected the supply of coal to different parts of the country. 46 racks carrying 2 lakh MT of coal to power station to restore the power shortage was unfortunately stuck due to the ongoing agitation then. The rakes were meant for Thermal Power Plants (TPPs) in states running low on coal stocks.
Given the coal shortage and increased demand for power the Centre has faced a lot of criticism post lockdown. At the time when the Central government machinery is working to meet the excess coal demand such a huge quantity of coal to be stuck in the transit that is enough to produce 322 million units of electricity was a big hindrance. For a state like Punjab which consumes 160 million units of power each day the disruption in coal supply can affect two days of power demand.
As per reports some middlemen who were not farmers were involved in the agitation, slowing down the movement of coal rakes which affected the power supply. It was a huge set back with economy picking up and huge fall in coal imports as a result of nearly 300% hike in its prices in the international market.
At a time when farmers need more electricity for irrigation this was a big drawback said a source. The Agriculture Ministry is currently monitoring the situation. A senior minister pointed out the irony of the situation for on one side the protestors claim to be fighting for the benefits of the farmers. While on the other side their actions will only harm the interest of the farmers.
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