India to discuss power crisis

The Indian Government is holding a meeting with state power ministers later on Monday to discuss the problem of electricity shortages in the country.

India's Power Minister, Suresh Prabhu, said the problem had mainly been caused by the current drought.

Mr Prabhu said this had badly hit hydroelectric projects, which account for nearly a quarter of the electricity generated in India.

He said the government proposes to increase the amount of electricity generated by coal, natural gas and oil-fired power stations to offset the crisis.

It also plans to buy electricity from the private sector. Mr Prabhu said the government has postponed maintenance work at some power stations so they can keep running without interruption.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service