The Power Crisis of Kolkata- What Lies Ahead

A girl preparing for her exam- this is just a symbolic representation of the city of Kolkata. During the summer season of Kolkata, power cut is a regular feature every year. This year(2010), from the very beginning of summer, temperature is touching 40 degree off and on. The citizens are suffering from the unbearable heat and humidity not getting any relief due to lack of uninterrupted power supply. The situation is getting worse day by day.
What are the causes of power supply failure:

* Excessive demand: The population of Kolkata is getting more and more. The use of A.C. machines are increasing drastically. The CSEC are trying its best to cope with the demand but at present the situation is bleak.

* The power stations( Kolaghat, Saotaldihi, Farakka) are all founded some years ago. Naturally their production capacity are sometimes affected by the age factor.

* Most of power stations in our state is thermal power station and the chief ingredient which is required to generate electricity is coal. But the supply of coal are frequently interrupted due to different reasons and the quality of the coal is not up to the mark. As a result, power generation is suffered.

* Due to water distribution treaty with Bangladesh, water supply is less in Farakka for 15 days of every month and as a result, one/two units in Farakka Hydrolic Power Project works suboptimally during that time period.

The situation is making the citizens of Kolkata suffer a lot. The Govt. is trying its best to cope with the situation.