The Hon. S. M. Marikkar

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees,

¶ 02 When we proposed Emergency during Cyclone “Ditwah,” it was to ensure essential services, not to suppress social media. Yet the other day, a blogger behind an “01110” online channel was dragged in—an act of intimidation. On one side, they use hired trolls and CID pressure; on the other, they claim the CID will act strictly by law.

¶ 03 They promised to amend the Online Safety Bill upon coming to power. Meanwhile, on substandard coal: the PUCSL report showed that at the partial oversight committee, it was proven that all 9 arriving ships could not generate the planned 300 MW; there was a Rs. 8,497 million loss; ash content supposed to be 11 percent was 22–26 percent. Yesterday, the 11th ship’s coal was fed to Norochcholai. When Unit 3, rated 300 MW, was run at 240 MW, three of the five mills tripped. The fine grinding could not occur because the coal was too lumpy, causing ash filters to clog, then diesel filters to be used, which led to visible plumes and environmental harm, monetary loss and inadequate power generation. We hear there was even a fire which was controlled; now only 210 MW is produced by one boiler, around 250 MW each by the other two.

¶ 04 If this continues—11 ships of poor coal—and megawatt targets cannot be met, we will face power cuts or be forced into costly diesel generation. If 9 ships caused Rs. 8,497 million in losses, calculate for 25 ships. Moreover, none of the 11 ships arrived on schedule; no demurrage or penalties have been imposed, even though April 22 deadlines were missed and rescheduling granted. Such leniency raises public suspicion of corruption. This cannot be silenced by social media takedowns. All 159 Members should go to Norochcholai, see the facts, correct the errors and stop passing costs to consumers.