How is Tripura Managing Electricity Supply to Bangladesh During Durga Puja?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tripura supplies 44-45 MW of electricity to Bangladesh during Durga Puja.
- The state has arranged 380 MW of electricity for local demands.
- Control rooms have been established for effective management during the festivities.
- Electricity demand for this year is expected to reach 380 MW.
- Cooperation between Tripura and Bangladesh highlights regional solidarity.
Agartala, Sep 29 (NationPress) Tripura is currently providing 44-45 MW of electricity to Bangladesh throughout the five-day Durga Puja celebrations, adhering to a prior agreement aimed at ensuring a consistent power supply for the neighboring nation, stated Ratan Lal Nath, the state’s Power Minister, on Monday.
The Minister noted that to address the significant power demands during this festive period, the state has successfully arranged a total of 380 MW of electricity from both central and state sources.
“Through considerable efforts, we have secured 380 MW of electricity to cater to the surging festive demand. Additionally, Mizoram will contribute 40 MW of power during Durga Puja in Tripura, and in return, we will reciprocate with a similar power supply during Christmas,” Nath elaborated.
Despite the overwhelming demand for electricity in Tripura during the Durga Puja festivities and the substantial efforts made to manage 380 MW of power, the state has ensured the continuous supply of electricity to Bangladesh to facilitate uninterrupted celebrations.
A report from the Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo highlights that this year, Durga Puja will be hosted in 33,355 mandaps and temples across the country, compared to 31,461 last year.
The supply of 100 MW of power to Bangladesh from the ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) plant in southern Tripura began in March 2016.
It was also mentioned that Bangladesh has a considerable outstanding debt to the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) concerning unpaid electricity bills.
Power Minister Nath shared that during the peak hours of Durga Puja in 2022, the electricity demand reached 332 MW; in 2023 it was 311 MW, and expectations for this year are around 380 MW.
“Last year, around 3,500 pujas were facilitated across Tripura. This year, 3,500 applications have been submitted by puja organizers. Special control rooms have been established for Durga Puja at both divisional and sub-divisional levels,” he added.
Nath, who also serves as the Agriculture Minister, emphasized that the State Load Dispatch Centre, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), and Tripura Power Transmission Limited (TPTL) have implemented a series of measures to ensure a stable power supply during the Durga Puja festivities.