Even as the country grappled with the problem of power outage, alleged supply of sub-standard coal from feeder Lingaraj coal mine, Talcher, has not only led to high generation loss but also damaged equipment and machineries at NTPC-Kaniha.
The supply of adulterated coal coupled with low dispatch have hit hard the nation’s second largest power plant which supplies power to more than 17 states.
A source said the average daily domestic coal receipt in July decreased to 39,500 million tonne (MT) against a requirement of 55,000 MT. “The station has been receiving coal of inferior quality which is adversely affecting its level of generation. The raw coal supplied to NTPC-Kaniha contains rock, soil and also pieces of iron, which leads to breakdown and costs the plant’s performance dearly,” said an official.
Besides the coal received these days is in slurry form leading to choking of chute and bunker in the transportation path.
NTPC-Kaniha has incurred generation loss of 133 million units (MU) in the first four months of the current fiscal. The generation loss due to poor coal quality for 2011-12 was 98 MU. Approximately 85 MU generation loss has been incurred in July, according to the official.
Deeply concerned with the situation, the additional general manager of NTPC-Kaniha, RC Patnaik, last month shot off letters to the general manager of Lingaraj area complaining about supply of sub-standard coal. But there has been little change in the situation.
The Lingaraj area general manager could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.