Top Maharashtra tourist destinations to get full 'power'

Mumbai, April 27 (IANS) Tourists visiting prominent Maharashtra hill stations, pilgrim centres and heritage sites can look forward to a 'cool' summer this year with the state's electricity distribution company promising no cuts from May 2, an official here said Friday.

The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd (MAHADISCOM) has decided to make 12 such popular destinations free of load-shedding from May 2, an official said.

The 'Maharashtra Day' gift will be presented to hill-stations Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Lonavala, Matheran, the pilgrim centres of Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar, Pandharpur, Jejuri, Parli-Vaijnath, Tuljapur, Shegaon and the popular beach resort of Alibag.

The new zero-load shedding norm will be applicable within the municipal limits of these towns as they have recorded a minimal electricity distribution loss of about 15 percent, the official said.

"The load-shedding free summer will give a significant boost to the tourism industry, increase bookings to full capacity and enable the service providers give more benefits and amenities to the tourists," said Raju Patel, a Mumbai tour operator specialising in Maharashtra tours.

With a power deficit averaging around 1,500 MW, the state is expected to be self-sufficient in electricity by December 2012, and notch surplus of around 1,000 MW.