The situation at thermal power plants is deteriorating consistently and had reached critical levels. For perspective, as per the National Power Portal, 11 imported coal-based (ICB) power plants had critical stocks, as on April 13. Similarly, 79 domestic coal-based power plants were facing critical stocks of the key commodity on the same day. Again, on April 13, of the total 173 coal-based power plants, the total stocks available were 23.17 million tonnes (MT) against a daily requirement of 2.76 MT. The stocks at this level will last for around a week. With concerted efforts of the government, the stocks rose to levels which is sufficient...