In view of the COVID-19 spread, which is creating severe bottlenecks to implement power projects, the State Government has approached the Union Government to allow it more time to complete additional infrastructure under the Centre’s Deendayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY).

Chief Secretary Asit Tripthy has brought this to the notice of Union Power Secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai. Earlier, the Government of India in Ministry of Power had extended the timelines for undertaking additional infrastructure for household electrification under DDUGJY projects up to 31 March.

Tripathy pointed out that the progress of the projects under both the schemes being implemented by two Central PSUs and OPTCL respectively, are under constant review for completion in time.

The State had to restore the electrical infrastructure in the aftermath of devastating cyclone storms (Titli and Fani) in the recent past that required deployment of manpower and mobilization of materials in affected area from all sources.

TItli and Fani were very severe cyclones and caused widespread damages to the State and hugely damaged electrical infrastructure in Odisha. However, the executing agencies have been directed to take all measures to ensure completion of the projects within the deadline fixed.

While the project works are being executed on war footing, the spread of COVID-19 spectre has impacted the progress of work in the month of March very badly as the contractors are faced with multiple hinderances like sharp shortage of manpower and materials.

Tripathy has urged to provide more time for completion of the projects by June 30, said sources.