(iv) Need to expedite the work of various Power Projects in Orissa

SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY (Puri):Sir, the bleak power situation in Orissa stands on the way of its industrial growth. The State now represents a power deficit of 43.3 percent as against the all-India average of 7.9 per cent. But power generation is indispensable for both agriculture and industrial growth. Provision of adequate power in the State will provide an important role for future economic development. In spite of the best efforts and substantial investment made by the State Government; the estimated unrestricted power demand 205 Matters under Rule 377

will represent a deficit of 22.7 percent at the end of Eighth Five Year Plan. Hence, Central Government should taken up the following power projects of the State forthwith on priority basis: the IB Thermal Power Project, Stage -II; Talcher Thermal expansion ' B ' Project ; Baragarh Head regulation Project; and Baimela extension (7th and 8th Units) projects.