Despite encountering bureaucratic obstacles and local opposition, Mein expressed unwavering support from the Power Department for the central power sector undertakings involved in these projects.

A government source revealed that delays in the operationalization of 3.6 gigawatts (GW) of new coal-fired plants, originally slated to be online before March, have contributed to the impending crisis.

The purpose of entering into the agreement was to monetise the hydroelectric power project, Reliance Power said in a regulatory filing on Sunday.