Bhopal, Jun 02: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh today said his government was making every effort to find a lasting solution to the problem of power crisis faced by the state.
"My government is taking all measures not only to buy power from other states but is also active in finding a lasting solution", the Chief Minister said. Singh said the power shortage in the state was being shared equitably in the rural and urban areas and added that in the next five years the government intended to generate 3500 mw of electricity. Although NTPC power plants in the state generated 1,600 mw to 1,700 mw, this had come down to 1,100 mw, he said. "We have spent from Rs. 40 crore to Rs. 60 crore to buy electricity", the Chief Minister said and pointed out that the present power crisis in Madhya Pradesh was to a large extent the result of carving out of Chhattisgarh from it.

"Our effort is to meet the challenges instead of indulging in gimmicks", Singh said and admitted that the power crisis will be the main issue for the coming assembly elections in the state.

He said he thought disinvestment in the power sector was all right up to an extent but the public sector must be given its share of responsibility.