Chashma Power Plant shut down, 184 mw electricity production suspended

CHASHMA: The Chashma Hydro Power Plant producing 184 megawatt electricity has been closed and the electricity production has been suspended as water has entered in the units of the Power Plant.

The power plant was constructed with the total cost of Rs. 17 billion on the right side of Indus river at Chashma Barrage but 5 out of 8 units of the plant were functioning on low capacity while the construction of other 3 units was underway.

On Monday night, the water entered in the Unit number 3 and later water entered in the other units of the plant. The staff on duty was sleeping at that time and tripping started after water crossed the alarming level.

The department would face loss worth of million of rupees due to the negligence of the staff.

The Wapda after tripping shut the plant and started the maintenance work on emergency basis. The General Manager of the Hydel Wing of Wapda Department has reached Chashma barrage to review the situation.

After the closure of the plant, the overall production of electricity to Wapda has been reduced and the duration of on-going electricity load shedding has been increased. The Wapda Department has directed its staff to be attentive in future.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the Wapda has summoned an emergency meeting in Lahore aiming to control the situation.