Mann Meets Khattar, Says Centre Assures Uninterrupted Power and Coal for Punjabਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਖੱਟਰ ਨਾਲ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ: ਕੇਂਦਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ ਬਿਜਲੀ ਤੇ ਕੋਲੇ ਦੀ ਨਿਰਵਿਘਨ ਸਪਲਾਈ ਦਾ ਭਰੋਸਾ

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said on Thursday, October 15, 2026, that the Centre has assured the state of uninterrupted electricity and coal supplies, after he met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi.

Mann told reporters that the talks covered issues concerning the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), coal availability and keeping power generation running without disruption, The Tribune and Punjab Newsline reported. The meeting comes as paddy procurement is under way and Punjab's farm sector depends heavily on a steady power supply.

What did Mann ask the Centre for?

The chief minister said Punjab is contributing 180 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the Central Pool this year, and that reliable electricity is essential to sustain that contribution to the country's food reserves. "Our objective is to ensure that Punjab faces no shortage of coal or electricity," he said, according to The Tribune.

Punjab Newsline reported that Mann also sought a special power allocation for Punjab during the paddy season, raised the difficulties farmers face in managing paddy stubble, and spoke of the financial challenges of the state's power distribution companies. The Tribune reported that issues concerning centrally sponsored schemes were also discussed.

What is the coal situation?

Mann said Punjab has been in touch with Coal India and the Jharkhand government to keep coal moving from the Pachhwara coal mines. "Our priority is to ensure that coal supplies remain uninterrupted so that Punjab can continue generating electricity," he said. The Union minister assured adequate and continuous supplies of both electricity and coal, according to the chief minister. The Centre had not issued a separate statement in the reports reviewed.

Why did Mann raise Shahpur Kandi Dam and NGT notices?

Mann complained about repeated notices from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning the Shahpur Kandi Dam project. "Once a dam has been constructed, the state should not have to face repeated notices from environmental authorities or NGT," he said, adding that Punjab receives one notice or another almost every year.

He invited Khattar to visit the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi dam projects, and said Punjab contributes around 40 per cent of the country's hydropower generation, as quoted by The Tribune.

What else did Mann say after the meeting?

Responding to reporters, Mann said he has approached the court in connection with permission for foreign trips, including an invitation to a food festival in Paris where Markfed is setting up a stall, and a three-day visit to Japan for the hockey semi-finals and final. He said the Mansa killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was "extremely tragic" and that anyone involved, including any conspirator, would face strict action. He accused opposition parties of playing politics over the tragedy. These are the chief minister's statements; opposition parties have demanded his resignation.

Will Punjab face a power shortage this season?

According to Mann, the Centre has assured uninterrupted electricity and coal supply, so no shortage is expected. The Centre has not detailed any extra allocation in the reports reviewed.

How much rice will Punjab contribute to the Central Pool?

Mann said Punjab will contribute 180 lakh metric tonnes of rice to the Central Pool this year.

Which dam did Mann raise with the Union Power Minister?

He raised repeated NGT notices over the Shahpur Kandi Dam and invited Khattar to visit the Ranjit Sagar and Shahpur Kandi projects.