Shortage of imported coal may cause more power cuts in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has temporarily shut down Navlakhi Port in the state on issues related to pollution from coal handling. A severe shortage of domestic coal has forced power plants and industries in the North to become dependent of imported coal cargoes that ports such as Navlakhi port handle.    

The action of the pollution control board has led to over 7,00,000-8,00,000 tonne of coal being stuck at Navlakhi. The port supplies coal to companies including Torrent Power, JP Power, Hindustan Zinc, Binani Cement and Shree Cement, GK Cement and a host of other captive power plants that also supply a portion of the power generated to the grid.    

Navlakhi Port primarily handles thermal coal imported from Indonesia which is transported to facilities in Gujarat as well as neighboring states. The port handles about 6-7 million tonne of coal every year. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board has slapped a work suspension notice due to pollution issues on coal handling. Some 7,00,000-800,000 tonne of coal is stranded at the port, said Atul Sharma, Deputy General Manager, Gujarat Maritime board, which controls the Navlakhi Port.