As unannounced power cuts bog the consumers in an unprecedented hot summer, the Delhi government on Wednesday promised to speed up completion of various power projects. While the PPA for the 650 mw Bawana phase II project is its final stages, negotiations are being held with NTPC and Bhel for early completion of naphtha-based 350 mw Pragati power project. At a high-level meeting called to review the power situation in the city, chief minister Sheila Dikshit directed Delhi Vidyut Board to further strengthen the maintenance and augmentation of the system. The meeting was also attended by state power minister Narendra Nath, chief secretary Omesh Saigal, DVB chairman Jagdish Sagar and principal secretary to chief minister, S Regunathan.

Poor maintenance reason of 98' Dornier aircraft crash

Poor maintenance practices at the short-haul operations department of Indian Airlines (IA) contributed to the crash of the Dornier aircraft at Kochi onJuly 30, 1998, a government-appointed committee of enquiry has concluded. The committee of enquiry, headed by Air Marshal P Rajkumar, programme director, Aeronautical Development Agency, Bangalore, has made a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the safety of aircraft operations. The government has accepted the report along with findings, Central government assurance to Maharashtra on housing

The Centre on Wednesday assured all necessary assistance to Maharashtra in developing housing and urban infrastructure projects in the state. The assurance was given by Union housing and urban development minister Jagmohan to state chief minister Narayan Rane during their discussion on urban development in the state. The chief minister took up matters concerning expediting mega-city projects, slum development, reclamation of coastal land and takeover of salt pan lands in mumbai. Jagmohan would visit Mumbai on June 22 to review progress of the urban development projects and housing schemes in Maharashtra, itsaid. He would also inaugurate the Bandra-Worli bridge during his visit to the city, the release said, adding the bridge had been entirely financed by Hudco.

Ministry awards for power plants

Vijaywada Thermal Power Station of Andhra Pradesh State Electricity Board and Khaperkheda Thermal Power Station of Maharashtra State Electricity Board have bagged gold medals for outstanding performance in 1996-97. These awards are presented annually by the government to outstanding plants. Silver medals have gone to the NTPC 's thermal plants at Korba and Ramagundam, also in this category are TNEB's plants at Tuticorin and Mettar and Anpara of UPSEB. These awards will be presented by union power minister P R Kumaramangalam on June 18. NTPC has bagged the maximum power plant performance awards for the year bagging cash awards worth Rs 196.62 lakh out of a total of Rs 589.9 lakh. These awards are given each year in three categories.