320 MW shortfall in power generation due to indefinite strike

NEYVELI (TN): The indefinite strike by NLC workers has led to a shortfall of 320 MW and also affected lignite mining, company officials said here today.


Nearly 30,000 workers, including 13,000 contractual employees of the three mines struck work at 9 PM last night protesting the Centre's decision to disinvest five per cent of its stake in the PSU.

However about 7,000 engineers and officers are not participating in the strike.

NLC Public Relations Officer Sridhar said the strike has led to a 320 MW shortfall in power generation. "NLC generated 2170 MW today against its full capacity of 2490 MW," he said.

NLC Deputy Engineer (Mines Division), Krishnamurthy said lignite excavation from three mines was totally affected today as all special equipment operators had struck work.

Yesterday the Madras High Court, in its interim orders on a petition by the NLC Management, had restrained labour unions of the company from going on strike from last night or from any date thereafter.

Trade unions of various political parties,including AIADMK, DMK and PMK and CITU have given the strike call.

NLC produces 2.36 million tonnes of lignite per month while the thermal stations produce 2,490 MW per day, of which Tamil Nadu gets 1,110 MW followed by Karnataka (277), Kerala (215) and Puducherry (95).

Over 3000 police personnel have been posted in the township in view of the strike.

The Centre's disinvestment decision is being opposed by major political parties in the state including ruling AIADMK and DMK. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had suggested that the shares be offered to state public sector undertakings.