16 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday, October 15, 2026, said the Centre had assured the state of uninterrupted coal and electricity supplies following his meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi. The meeting focused on Punjab’s power requirements, coal availability for thermal power plants and the need to maintain uninterrupted electricity generation.
Mann said the assurance was important for Punjab because the state plays a significant role in meeting the country’s foodgrain requirements. He highlighted that Punjab is supplying around 180 lakh metric tonnes (18 million tonnes) of rice to the Central Pool this year and stressed that reliable electricity is essential for agricultural operations and food production.
The Chief Minister said several issues concerning the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), particularly coal supplies and electricity availability, were discussed during the meeting. According to Mann, the Union Power Minister assured the state that adequate and continuous supplies would be maintained to prevent disruptions in power generation.
Coal Supply from Pachhwara Mines Discussed
A key issue discussed during the meeting was the availability of coal from the Pachhwara coal mines in Jharkhand. Mann said the Punjab government was already in touch with Coal India and the Jharkhand government to ensure that coal supplies remained uninterrupted.
The state depends on consistent fuel supplies to operate its thermal power plants and meet electricity demand from households, industry and agriculture. Any disruption in coal availability can affect power generation, making the supply arrangements an important issue for the state government.
Mann said Punjab’s priority was to ensure that coal continued to reach power plants on time so that electricity generation could proceed without interruption. He also reiterated the state’s commitment to contributing significantly to the country’s food reserves.
The Centre had previously said that coal supplies to Punjab’s power plants were adequate and that timely lifting of allocated coal, better use of captive coal mines and improved plant performance were important for sustaining generation.
Shahpur Kandi Dam and Environmental Notices Raised
Mann also raised concerns about repeated notices issued by environmental authorities and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning the Shahpur Kandi Dam project. He said these notices created difficulties for the state and requested support to ensure the smooth development and functioning of Punjab’s hydropower projects.
The Chief Minister invited Khattar to visit the Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpur Kandi Dam projects in Punjab to review the issues. He argued that the development of hydropower infrastructure was important not only for Punjab but also for the country’s overall electricity requirements.
According to Mann, Punjab contributes around 40 per cent of India’s hydropower generation. He said the state’s hydropower projects therefore required attention and cooperation between the state and the Centre.Central Schemes Also Discussed
The meeting also covered matters related to centrally sponsored schemes being implemented in Punjab. However, the main focus remained on ensuring adequate electricity and coal supplies and addressing issues affecting the state’s power sector.
Mann said Punjab had conveyed its requirements to the Centre and received assurances regarding continued supplies. The state government’s priority, he added, was to avoid disruptions in electricity generation while supporting agricultural activities and meeting its commitments to the national foodgrain pool.
The assurance comes amid wider discussions about coal availability, thermal plant performance and the importance of maintaining reliable electricity supplies across the country. The actual supply position will continue to depend on coal deliveries, plant operations and electricity demand.
Punjab Seeks Reliable Power for Agriculture and Industry
Punjab’s electricity requirements are closely linked to its agricultural economy, particularly during periods when farmers depend on power for irrigation and other farm operations. Reliable electricity is also important for industrial activity and domestic consumers.
By raising coal supply and hydropower concerns directly with the Union Power Minister, Mann sought to address issues that could affect the state’s power generation capacity. The meeting also highlighted the importance of coordination between the Centre and Punjab on energy infrastructure and fuel availability.
The assurance announced by Mann is expected to provide reassurance to the state, although continued monitoring of coal supplies and power generation will remain necessary to meet demand.
Summary
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said the Centre assured uninterrupted coal and electricity supplies after his meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, discussing hydropower /