Power accord with Chattisgarh a loss, say experts

The agreement on the much-touted power supply from Chattisgarh to Telangana is facing a lot of flak from political JAC in the State. Following several doubts on Chattisgarh power, Prof Kodandaram, JAC chairman, said owing to the many doubts being expressed on the Chattisgarh power agreement, the governent should allow a free debate on the matter. People should be allowed to express their doubts in a free and frank manner. He said there were fears among the people that the agreement would burden the consumers. If a long-term view was taken, it would be beneficial for the people. Several speakers at the JAC had expressed doubts over the agreement. Electricity supply expert Raghu said Telangana would suffer a loss of Rs.900 crore becasue of the agreement. While Chattisgarh was selling one unit of power at Rs.5.45, Andhra Pradesh was willing to supply power at Rs.4.40 only, he added.