BATHINDA: Despite spending a huge amount on the renovation and modernization of the state-run Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant (GNDTP), it is not being put to optimum use. The state government spent nearly Rs 550 crore in 2013-14 on two of the four units of the plant with a view to making it compatible with the latest technology.Ever since the investment was made the plant has been put to full use occasionally and failed to yield the returns. The power engineers' association claims that the investment has enhanced the life of the coal-based power plant by 15 years but due to lack of usage, the situation has come to such a pass that it may be dismantled in years to come as its four units of 460 MW each remain shut for most part of the year. When the money was pumped in, power plants in private sector had started coming up in Punjab, which minimised the utility of the state-run thermal power projects.As per schedule, for the on-going fiscal the GNDTP is expected to be run only during summer and that too at lower capacity. Only one unit was lit up on Wednesday after the private plant at Talwandi Sabo was closed after a fire incident. Besides, coal in small quantity has been ordered for the coming summer season.The employees and other stakeholders accuse the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) of favouring private plants at the cost of state-owned plant for vested interests. "The government does not seem interested in running the state-run plants. Nothing is being done on the revised emission standards aimed at minimising air pollution from coal-based power plants, which were notified in December 2015 and are to be completed by December 6," said association secretary Sahil Gupta.Currently, Punjab has power generation of 6,540 MW, which includes 2,640 MW from 14 units of the three PSPCL-run thermal plants and seven units of three private power projects.Apart from these, the state gets its share from the national pool and gets some power from hydel and solar plants. In peak season from May to July, the demands reaches up to 12,000 MW, whereas in lean periods power is surplus in the state.Chief engineer, GNDTP, V K Garg said that, "The money was spent on renovation in 2013-14 to enhance its utility and capacity. As and when the authorities will ask us to run as per power demand, the units of plant will be fired up."

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