ANTICIPATING possible disruptions in coal transportation during the forthcoming monsoon season, major thermal power stations in Korba district have significantly augmented their coal reserves to safeguard uninterrupted electricity generation. Official sources said the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (DSPM) Thermal Power Plant has accumulated coal stock sufficient for 53 days of operation, while the Hasdeo Thermal Power Station (HTPS) currently maintains reserves adequate for 48 days. Coal transportation and mining operations frequently face challenges during the monsoon owing to heavy rainfall, waterlogging in mines, disruption of railway services and operational constraints affecting heavy mining equipment.

 

To mitigate such risks, plant authorities initiated advance planning and intensified stockpiling efforts well before the onset of the rainy season. Officials attributed the substantial coal reserve at HTPS partly to reduced consumption over the past two months, as two of the station’s generating units have remained out of operation. The lower fuel requirement has contributed to a steady rise in available stock. Last year, coal supplies from South Eastern Coalfields Limited’s (SECL) Kusmunda mine through the conveyor belt network were adversely impacted during the monsoon, causing coal reserves at the plant to fall to critical levels.

 

Drawing lessons from that experience, HTPS management coordinated closely with SECL to strengthen fuel supply arrangements ahead of this year’s rains. Sources indicated that the station is presently receiving nearly 1,000 tonnes of coal per day in excess of its daily consumption, enabling it to maintain a comfortable stock position. Meanwhile, the DSPM Thermal Power Plant is generating power through its two 250 MW units. The plant receives coal from SECL’s Manikpur mine through rail transport.

 

Officials said the current inventory is adequate to sustain operations for 53 days. Sources further revealed that both the DSPM Thermal Power Plant and the Marwa Thermal Power Plant have exceeded their respective power generation targets. In contrast, HTPS has generated around 1,400 million units of electricity against its target of 1,949 million units, despite adequate coal availability, primarily due to prolonged shutdown of two generating units. Power sector officials expressed confidence that the strengthened coal stock position would ensure stable electricity generation throughout monsoon season and significantly reduce the risk of fuel shortages.