Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is all set to take over security of Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS), the biggest thermal power plant in Maharashtra, in a phased manner. The first contingent of 35 CISF personnel will reach the Power Station on November 15, with two more batches being deployed in January and February for a tally of 350 personnel. CSTPS will be the first thermal power plant in the state having CISF security cover.
CSTPS is the biggest thermal power station of Mahagenco, with installed capacity of 2,340MW. Two more power generation units (2×500 MW) with collective generation capacity of 1,000MW are set to begin production in the next few months, which will raise the capacity of the plant to 3,340MW. Being one of the biggest establishments in the state, the threat perception to this vital installation is also high. The Union government has categorized CSTPS as a vital installation and recommended CISF cover.
“We are communicating with CISF since last year and its officers have made multiple visits here for site inspection,” Chief Engineer, CSTPS (project), PR Shingade said. The first batch of 35 CISF personnel will take over surveillance and prepare a plan for deployment of full force of 350 commandos in the coming months. First batch of 150 commandos is likely to be deployed in January 2016. Additional force of 200 personnel will be deployed here by the time the two new units are handed over to CSTPS management for operations, he said. Of the 350 commandos 123 will look after the security of operation and management (O&M) section of the plant, while remaining 227 personnel will take care of the security of entire plant and its premises. Mahagenco will bear all the expenses for the deployment of the CISF, he added.
