Strike hits lignite mining, power generation

Strike hits lignite mining, power generation

The strike by workers protesting the Centre’s decision to disinvest 10 per cent equity in the Neyveli Lignite Corporation entered its second day today, paralysing lignite mining and power generation here.

With supply of electricity from the NLC to the Tamil Nadu grid almost nil since last night, many rural areas were affected by power cuts. State authorities are making attempts to restore power supply to these areas, officials said.

Life in the Neyveli Township in Cuddalore district was paralysed as the town observed a bandh in support of the striking employees. All business establishments and educational institutions remained closed and vehicles were off the roads, throwing normal life out of gear.

The workers, who had been agitating for the past one week, went on an indefinite strike from 10 pm yesterday, paralysing work in one of the major public sector units supplying power to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry.

Barring generation of 100 MW from one unit, which would sustain supply to households and hospitals in Neyveli township, all other activities have been affected, NLC sources said.

Chief General Manager, NLC, A Babu Rao told PTI that 90 per cent of the staff had abstained from work. “Lignite mining from the three mines, where 70 tonnes of lignite was being mined daily, has come to a standstill,” he said.

The loss per day to the NLC due to the strike was estimated to be rs six crore,he added.

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