One unit of the 920-MW Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant (GHTP) at Lehra Mohabbat village in Bathinda district was restored on Monday morning, providing some relief amid the ongoing paddy transplantation season and prevailing heatwave conditions. The shutdown of all four units had raised concerns over power generation in the state.
Background of the Shutdown
While three units of the plant were already non-operational, the fourth unit was shut on Sunday due to the massive accumulation of fly ash. Around 1,800 contractual workers at the thermal plant are on strike, demanding direct engagement with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) instead of being hired through contractors. Their agitation began on June 9, and all contractual workers went on strike from June 16.
Restoration Efforts
Speaking to The Tribune, GHTP Chief Engineer Tej Bansal said one unit of 210 MW had been made operational at 5 am today. “The work is in progress on the remaining three units and efforts are being made to restore them in next two days,” he said. Earlier, the chief engineer had attributed the crisis to the strike by contractual workers.
Following the shutdown, the plant management sought additional manpower to clear the fly ash and restore operations. Sources said the plant has nearly 500 regular employees, about half of whom are engaged in clerical work.
Meeting with Finance Minister
Meanwhile, sources said a delegation of the contractual workers was scheduled to meet Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Chandigarh on Monday to discuss their demands and explore a resolution to the ongoing impasse.
