Srinagar: Stating that there was an "alarming" 25 per cent fall in power generation in the country, Union Power Minister Suresh Prabhu termed the scenario as "very grave" and said he has convened a meeting of state ministers on August 5 in Delhi to discuss the situation.

"Power generation in the country has dropped by 12 billion units which amounts to an alarming 25 per cent. The situation is very grave. We have convened a meeting of power ministers of all the states to formulate an action plan on how to get out of the grim situation," Prabhu told reporters before returning to Delhi after a three-day tour of the state.

He said the situation has worsened as power generation was badly hit by the continued dry spell, even as the demand increased by about 30 per cent. "Such a situation has emerged after many years."

Prabhu hinted at using thermal power to tide over the crisis.

The annual maintenance of the hydel projects has been deferred in view of dwindling power situation, he said, adding a comprehensive strategy was being evolved to harness the available hydel potential capable to generate 1.50 lakh mw power in the country.

Prabhu said he reviewed the power situation in Jammu and Kashmir with Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Power Minister S S Salathia and state authorities and said every effort was being made to harness the hydel potential jointly by the state and the Central governments.

PTI