AGARTALA, May 23 (TIWN): ONGC engineers working round the clock for inspecting the 53 km long gas pipe line to Palatana power plant, said sources. In last four days, Engineers have replaced 14 compressed valve and all tested to be OK, the cyclone separator a vital installation of the power plant is being inspected which is likely to last for two days..A senior official of ONGC said they are minutely checking every gear of the pipe line so that gas is supplied uninterrupted to the power plant once performance guarantee test is complete.Meanwhile Tripura Power Minister informed that the sever power shortage across the state would continue as Palatana power plant likely to be ready by the June 1 next only.

The minister quoting OTPC official said that the Unit – I was placed under shut down for PGT for a week test from May 17, but it was told later that the plant would not be ready till June 1 after BHEL detected some faults.  

The minister stated that due to suspension of power generation from Palatana plant not only Tripura entire NE region is affected. To inquire the, status of the power unit two senior officials from Assam Electricity Corporation meet Mr. Dey. Assam is under serious grip of power deficit.

The power situation across the state remains severe despite additional power purchase by TSECL from other parts of the country NPCC and NTC.” At present the power deficit stands 50MW – 60 MW during peak hour, As a result, load shedding for one hour to one hour and half hour continue across the state” the minister added.