From Our Correspondent
AGARTALA: Power-starved Bangladesh government has finally approached the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seeking permission to receive electricity from the Palatana Power project, Tripura Assembly was informed here.
Replying to a written question moved by Congress MLA Sudip Roy, Power Minister Manik Dey on Monday said that during Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s historic visit to Dhaka visit last year, a joint declaration was announced in which India had given its consent to supply 250 MW power to Bangladesh.
In the meantime, the ONGC has moved the Ministry of External Affair (MEA) seeking permission to sell power from Palanta Project to Bangladesh and proposal is still pending.
However, Roy wanted to know whether Chief Minister Manik Sarkar authorised to make declaration about supply of power to Bangladesh at a pubic meeting at Assam Rifles Ground in presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In reply, Chief Minister made it clear that he did not make any such announcement “because he knows the protocol”.
“I have never declared or promised to sell power to Bangladesh and there should not be any room such malicious campaign,” he said.
Sarkar informed the House that the state government would receive 189MW power from the Palatana plant while 104 MW will be drawn from the Manarchak power project.
“What the small state like Tripura will do with so much power? It will be better for the state if it can sell the power to Bangladesh”, he pointed out.
Giving details on the recent development over the issue, Sarkar said the state government had no reservation to sell power to Bangladesh keeping in mind of its contribution in brining equipments for the 726 MW power Palatana power plant.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Bangladesh has already taken up the issue with its Indian counterpart. Following the request from the Dhaka, the Ministry of External Affairs (Delhi) has contacted Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) seeking its view in this regard.