MoP castigates NTPC for shoddy performance during H1

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has lambasted NTPC, which has, so far, apparently achieved only 19.68% of the capacity addition target set for the current fiscal, even as the first half (H1) of the year is over. 

• In a recent communiqué to the NTPC-chief, Arup Roy Choudhury, the Power Secretary, P Uma Shankar, has asked that the power utility, without fail, achieve this year's target of 2,490 MW, and excuses for the contrary are not acceptable. Notably, NTPC could only commission the 490 MW Dadri unit during H1. 
• The Secretary has asked Choudhury to address the following areas of concern with regard to the generating units scheduled for commissioning this fiscal, on a priority basis, so as to achieve the fiscal target:
• Simhadri Unit-3 (500 MW) 
• NTPC needs to provide inputs like foundations for mills, 2nd FD fan, flue gas duct, completion of main control room/ESP control room with regular air conditioning system, pipe racks for erecting fuel oil piping, feeder floors and coal bunker terminals, etc., to ensure that the revised commissioning schedule of February 2011 is met.
• Simhadri Unit-4 (500 MW) 
• Work on TG deck, availability of foundations for ID/FD fans, duct, mills, ESP and main control rooms, pipe rack, etc., needs to be expedited so that the commissioning of the unit does not slip beyond March 2011.
• Farakka Unit-6 (500 MW) 
• To commission the unit by February 2011, work on the 2nd ID/ FD fan foundations, left hand side mill foundations, coal bunkers, etc., needs to be expedited.
• Korba Unit-7 (500 MW) 
• In order to ensure the unit's commissioning by November 2010, against the previously envisaged target of October 2010, some of the areas that need specific attention include foundation for left hand side mills, readiness of coal handling plant and air conditioning works for the central control room.