BJP MLA shuts down power generation plant on Kali Bein

DASUYA/JALANDHAR: Bharatiya Janata Party?s MLA from Dausya, Amarjit Singh Sahi, on Saturday abruptly shut down a power generation plant was built by a US-based NRI at the head of Kali Bein rivulet in Terkiana area of Hoshiarpur district.
Ordering its shut down, Sahi claimed that villages along Kali Bein are facing problems of water logging and “people have been complaining to me”.
Government experts, however, said the power plant could not be blamed for this. NRI Avtar Gill had invested around Rs 10 crore in power plant after signing necessary MoUs with Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) and Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB) and had obtained all necessary clearances. Gill broke down and said he had wrapped up his business in US when the plant became functional. “If investments are not safe even after entering into agreements with the government who will invest here,” he asked.
Sahi refused to discuss whether government departments had faulted while conceiving the project. While the action could adversely affect the Punjab’s vigorous efforts to attract NRI investments, Sahi said he does not care how much money was invested.
PEDA director Balour Singh said water logging was around 1 km away from Bein in some areas while the areas immediately near the rivulet were not facing any difficulties.
Executive engineer of drainage department VK Gupta, who was also present at the site On Saturday, also denied that the problem was caused by the force of flow in the Bein. “I had suggested that there will be no problem if lesser than 200 cusec water is released,” he said.
When contacted, Dasuya SDM Jasbir Singh said they are still trying to find out the reason for water logging.