A Nap Can Make You Smarter

A Nap Can Make You Smarter

Your boss may not smile & may even reluctantly decide to issue you a stricture when you snooze at your desk, but California researchers found that an afternoon nap can significantly increase your ability to learn. The best nap time is 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., when there is a natural dip in energy. 

High Blood Pressure Drugs Work, But Cause More Harm. 

A Tiny Amount of B12 May Cure Your Heart, Emotional Woes.

Congrats Pranabda - 13th President of Republic of India

Congrats Pranabda - 13th President of Republic of India

Today, Our Pranabda has been declared elected as the 13th President of the Republic of India. He defeated Mr. P A Sangma by a huge margin of 3,97,776 electoral votes in Presidential Poll for which election was conducted through all the legitimate Peoples' Representatives of the Parliament & the Legislative Assemblies across the Country on 19 July, 2012. Pranabda got 7,13,763 electoral votes (69%) whereas Sangma got 3,15,987 (31%). It is a day of great joy for all Bengalees as well as 9 Crores (+) distinguished people of West Bengal. We are overwhelmed with happiness and its a very special day (RLD) for all of us. Thanks to DIDI for extending her/her parties unconditional support as AITMC Supremo to Pranabda at the final hour of the race to the Raisina Hill.  

We strongly believe that Pranabda as 13th President is not going to be like others; that is a Rubber Stamp or a Post Office. Perhaps, he will be a hard nut to crack for clearing all government issues by any means. Pros and Cons of the Constitution are in his finger tips. So, the government has to abide by the Constitution in true spirit on such issues that need clearance from the President. He will lead his Office as President with high head and flying colours upholding the sanctity of the Constitution of India as the last word without any deviation.

Apart from the Constitution issue, we sincerely believe that Pranabda shall not maintain the decades long tradition of lavish style of living of a President at Rashtrapati Bhavan with an unrelenting objective to cut down the huge yearly expenses borne by the Government under President’s Budget allocation for a five year term. He knows very well that this money comes from the States' exchequers through tax paid by common people including down trodden people of rural areas. On the contrary, he will lead a normal life style which he used to.

                                                                  

                                                                  Posted by Debabrata Dey on 22 July, 2012

UNPRINCIPLED ACTIONS OF DONGFANG ELECTRIC CORPORATION

UNPRINCIPLED ACTIONS OF DONGFANG ELECTRIC CORPORATION

Why M/s Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC), Chengdu, P. R. China should not be considered for awarding any job in Indian Power Sector? 

1.    What is the specific reason?

In this regard it may be emphasized firmly without any second thought that DEC should have been barred for one specific reason only as elaborated below.

It was a deadly decision taken consciously by DEC to discontinue supply of all SPARES to West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL). It was a vindictive approach and may be called destructive to the extent of slow poisoning with a determined unscrupulous objective to make the Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant (2x300 MW) of WBPDCL gradually crippled with a possible intimidation of frequent failures of (as a potential cascading effect of deficient Maintenance) critical equipment specifically Boiler, Turbine and Generator (supplied by the OEM - DEC, China) and then pushing the Plant to a stage of partially inoperative then almost shut down and finally total shut down so as to declare it a abandoned power station well before its normal 25 years life cycle.

2.    Why it is so derogatory?

 

There may be thousand valid reasons inviting dispute between the Owner (WBPDCL) of a Power Plant and the Contractor (DEC) who had constructed two Units (2x300 MW) at Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant  during 2004-2008. But, the unethical vindictive approach of Dongfang Electric Corporation to stop supply of all SPARES both from DEC, China and DEC, India including their designated sub-vendors has been found long-suffering to WBPDCL for maintaining and running the Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant (2x300 MW) smoothly and steadily. Surprisingly, after completion of Performance Guarantee Tests in July, 2009 and May, 2010 and prior to foreclosure of Contract in September, 2010 they have, unilaterally, stopped supply of all SPARES from early 2010 and as a result the Plant is tottering for want of minimum SPARES. To add fuel to the fire, DEC failed miserably to supply complete set of Mandatory Spares (contractually they are bound and committed to supply along with main equipment) for the Main Plant. It is a glaring example of refusal of contractual compulsions agreed legally by DEC. It is an exceptional approach for any reputed and reliable esteemed foreign OEM/Contractor. Under such a grave scenario, WBPDCL ran from pillar to the post for procurement of interchangeable SPARES either from India or China at any cost to save the Plant but failed time and again as there was clear directive from the top management of DEC, China to all its manufacturing units including DEC, India and designated sub-vendors to refuse any requisition of WBPDCL for supply of SPARES. It will not be out of the place to mention here that DEC, India has a Warehouse in India wherein they maintain a healthy stock of SPARES for Critical Equipment to extend support service to Indian Clients. Since the equipment of BTG Island is from China there is no indigenous supplier who can supplement the need of critical SPARES mainly Boiler, Turbine and Generator to save the Units of Sagardighi Thermal Power Plant (2x300 MW). There is a threat that the Plant is becoming crippled day by day for want of bare minimum Maintenance of critical equipment like Boiler, Turbine and Generator (supplied by OEM - DEC, China) inviting a chance of dumping of such precious equipment of the Plant  well before the completion of 25 years normal life cycle.

3.    Is there any compromise formula? 

  

Perhaps, there is............

DEC should approach WBPDCL voluntarily and address gracefully to solve the longstanding impasse without imposing any condition; they should confirm that 

* They will complete all pending jobs as per contract
* They will supply 100% Mandatory Spares as per contract
* They will replace identified 6.0 kV HT Motors by 6.6 kV HT Motors
* They will replace identified 380 V LT Motors by 415 V LT Motors 
* They will take up free capital overhaul of BTG Island of both Units
* They will reimburse all pending dues claimed by WBPDCL

Posted by Debabrata Dey on 13 July, 2012

SAGARDIGHI – A NEW LAUNCHING PLATFORM OF WBPDCL FOR 3x500 MW UNITS

      SAGARDIGHI - A NEW LAUNCHING  PLATFORM OF WBPDCL FOR 3x500 MW COAL BASED THERMAL UNITS                                                                         

      Forward: 2x300 MW Coal Based Thermal Units 1 & 2 was conceived long back in March 2004 for   implementation by West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited in Phase I of Sagardighi Thermal Power Project. The Main Plant Package (Boiler-Turbine-Generator & Auxiliaries) of these two 300 MW Units was the first of its kind constructed by a Chinese EPC Contractor M/s Dongfang Electric Corporation in India. Apart from Main Plant Package, Coal Handling Plant was constructed by M/s McNally Bharat Engineering Limited and Water Intake & Plant Water System by M/s Larsen & Toubro Limited; whereas the Railway infrastructure for transportation of Coal & Light Diesel Oil was constructed by none other than RITES, the sister concern of Indian Railways. Further, 400 kV LILO (loop in loop out) line was constructed, erected  and commissioned with 400 kV Double Circuit Farrakka-Subhasgram high voltage state/regional transmission line by the nationally famous M/s Power Grid Corporation of India Limited for evacuation of power from Sagardighi TPP 220/400 kV Switchyard.

      Built at a completed capitalized cost of Rs. 2750 Crores with substantial financial assistance from Power Finance Corporation, the 1^st 300 MW capacity Unit of Sagardighi TPP was synchronized on December, 2007 followed by the 2^nd Unit on July, 2008; subsequently, the Commercial Operation of the said Units 1 & 2 were declared by WBPDCL on September, 2008 and November, 2008 respectively for uninterrupted generation of power.

Both the Units were dedicated to the Nation by the then Hon’ble Chief Minister in 2008.

During 2009 - 2010 time span both the 300 MW capacity Units were continually in the bus; the Plant has achieved its maximum PLF (Plant Load Factor) around 93% in the month August, 2010. Since declaration of COD, the Units are performing satisfactorily with high Plant Load Factor (PLF); adequate coal supply is the key factor.  

Capacity Addition in 12^th Plan: To mitigate ever rising demand of power in the State, WBPDCL has conceived installation of higher capacity coal based Units 3 & 4 (2 x 500 MW) at Sagardighi Thermal Power Project Phase II for implementation during 12^th Plan Period (2012-17) with state of the art technology and better unit heat rate i,e, less heat input for generation of 1 kWh energy. Accordingly, Development Consultants Private Limited (DCPL) was appointed as Consultant of the Project. DCPL prepared the Tender Specifications and then global tender for Main Plant Package was invited from prospective bidders in the last year for the installation of 2 x 500 MW Units # 3 & 4 at Sagardighi Phase II. In course of tender finalization process necessary clearances could be received from State/Union statutory authorities including WBERC in particular for an atypical situation like single price bid submitted by BHEL only. Comfort level of WBPDCL is high as PFC has already granted substantial financial assistance for this 2 x 500 MW Project as requested by WBPDCL. The only one bid of BHEL was opened who quoted high around 3.9 Crore per MW. Negotiations were held first with BHEL then collectively with CEA for finalization of the price based on national level bench mark compared to similar Package with similar scope of work ordered by other utilities like DVC/NTPC in the past. In the last negotiation meeting at the chamber of the Chairperson, CEA on January 25, 2011 the price could be reduced and freeze at 3.22 Crore per MW which was later concurred by WBERC. Ministry of Power, GoI has granted the Project with Mega Power Project status for availing “Tax Holiday”. As a result, the completed project cost is likely to be on lower side. Letter of Awards for Main Plant Package were issued in favour of BHEL on February, 2011 and they are working on fast pace to achieve agreed milestones with a target date of Completion of the Project by March, 2015. Of late, Letter of Awards for Coal Handling Plant Package, Twin Flue Chimney and Natural Draft Cooling Tower have been placed in favour of renowned and established Local Contractors like McNally Bharat, Gammon and Paharpur Cooling Tower respectively through International Competitive Bidding for availing “Tax Holiday”. Since the Gestation Period of Other Packages are much more less compared to Main Plant Package, the ordering of balance Packages like Intake Water & Plant Water System, Ash Handling Plant, Technical Building are likely to be issued in phases through International Competitive Bidding as per float in LEVEL-1 Network and it is expected that their completion may be well synchronized with Main Plant Package lying in the critical path of 48 months. 

Phase - III Project: WBPDCL has also conceived installation of another 500 MW coal based Unit 5 at Sagardighi Thermal Power Project for implementation during 12^th Plan Period (2012-17) with state of the art technology and better unit heat rate i,e, less heat input for generation of 1 kWh energy. Accordingly, Development Consultants Private Limited (DCPL) has been appointed as Consultant of the Project. DCPL has already prepared the Draft Detailed Project Report. Necessary actions have been initiated for obtaining statutory clearances from State/Central Government Agencies. Environment Impact Assessment (EIA/REIA) Study of Phase - III Unit 5 (1x500 MW) is likely to be taken up soon by WBPDCL. However, mandatory common facilities for Unit 5, like Coal Handling Plant and Intake Water & Plant Water System have already been taken up concurrently during the implementation of Phase - II Units 3 & 4 including interfacing of identified areas of respective Main Plant Packages of the said two Phases with an objective to retain the estimated project cost of Unit 5 at a lower side.   

Posted by Debabrata Dey on 12 July, 2012

An advice to TPI Consultants

Dear Third Party Inspection Consultants (TPIC),                         Salt Lake, July 11, 2012

Please find below the draft format of your Proposal for any of your new Consultancy Services pertaining to Third Party Inspection in respect of the specified scope of work for different identified areas of the Packages/Bought-Out-Items (BOI) of 2x500/2x250 MW Coal Based Thermal Power Project of any esteemed Customer. Please process your Proposal as per format covering all the aspects as detailed hereunder. If it is a limited tender and compliance of QR has already been achieved then Cover - 3 may be treated redundant. 

Regards,

Debabrata Dey

DRAFT PROPOSAL

Subject - Proposal for Third Party Inspection under Consultancy Services for

                 2x500/2x250 MW Coal Based Thermal Power Projects

The Proposal for TPI shall be contained in transparent Plastic Covers consisting of:-

1.    Cover 1 - Index Front Page with titles/subtitles of contents under Cover 2 to 11

2.    Cover 2 - Forwarding Letter of TPIC addressed to the esteemed Customers

3. Cover 3 - Qualification Requirements (QR) of TPIC for the TPI assignment

(i)           Address judiciously the essential Financial Requirements in compliance with QR; enclose Annual Reports for the FY 2011-12, 2010-11 & 2009-10

(ii)          Address judiciously the essential QR pertaining to past experiences; enclose end users’ certificates (at least 2) for similar jobs in last 10 years

(iii)        Enclose list of similar jobs in tabular form (already executed/under execution) with a clear deposition of schedule/actual dates of start/finish   

4.    Cover 4 - Strength of Manpower (Experts/Inspectors) of the TPIC with credentials of such Experts/Inspectors indicating age, aptitude, status, skill etc.   

5. Cover 5 - Infrastructural facilities available with the TPIC: Details of RIO (Regional Inspection Office) of the TPIC to be operated at different Units of BHEL including Metros / other locations as may be necessary for different Packages/BOI of esteemed Customers  

6.    Cover 6 - Tentative Deployment Schedule of TPIC’s Experts/Inspectors at different Units of BHEL including Metros for Inspection of different Packages/BOI covering the specified Time Schedule earmarked for TPI Consultancy Services   

7.    Cover 7 - Detailed Man-month/Man-day Schedule in tabular form for the deputed Experts/Inspectors of the TPIC covering specified scope of work at different Units of BHEL including Metros/other locations as may be necessary for different Packages/BOI; schedules shall be separate for Man-month and Man-day    

8.    Cover 8 - Terms and Conditions of the Bid to be submitted by the TPIC; there should not be any Deviation. If there be, then enclose a separate Deviation Sheet   

9. Cover 9 - Financial Proposal in tabular Form clearly indicating:-

(i)       Man-month Rate (Firm Price) including lump sum firm price for total Man-months till completion of inspection shall be envisaged by the TPIC with detailed break-up for respective Packages and Bought-Out-Items with an extended validity of one (1) year beyond specified completion schedule

(ii)          Separate Man-day Rates (Firm Price) for local/foreign inspections for respective Packages and Bought-Out-Items with a special mention of reimbursement of incidental charges at actual (cost of car/rail/air travel and accommodation) with an extended validity of one (1) year beyond specified completion schedule; may request 10% escalation beyond 1 year

(iii)       Special mention for claim of prevailing/enhanced rates of Service Tax or any other Tax along with monthly/quarterly invoices during its submission 

(iv)     A specific note should take care of the possibility of “Time Overrun” of the Project with unavoidable direct impact for time extension of TPI Consultancy Services which may not be attributable to the TPIC 
     

10. Cover 10 - Details of Company Profile of the TPIC with coloured Photos and CD

11. Cover 11 - Proposal of the TPIC in soft form i.e. CD (replica of hard copy) 

 DRAFT PRICE FORMAT

A.     Format of Lump sum Price to be offered by the TPIC:  

I.      Man-month Basis

Sl. No.	Activity Name	Lump sum Price for the service*	Estimated Man-month Considered	Unit Rate of Man-month (Local)	Service Taxes	Total In (Rs.)
		In Figure				In Figure
1.	Main Plant Package: Contractor - BHEL		Covering different BHEL units in tandem		As per the then prevailing Rate
2	Coal Handling Plant Package		Covering  workshops  in tandem
Grand Total (Sl. No.1 + Sl. No.2) :

Note: * Cost of lump sum Man-month rate shall be inclusive of taxes and levies, TA/DA,

          accommodation and all other expenses; but, excluding Service Tax and education cess

II.   Man-day Basis

Sl. No.	Activity Name	Lump sum Price for the service*	Estimated Man-day as	Unit Rate of   Man-day (Local/Foreign)	Service Taxes	Total In (Rs.)
		In Figure				In Figure
1.	Main Plant Package: Contractor - BHEL		200 Man-day		As per the then prevailing Rate
2	Coal Handling Plant Package		100 Man-day
3.	Ash Handling Plant Package		100 Man-day
4.	Intake Water and Plant Water System  Package		100 Man-day
Grand Total [Sl. No.1 + Sl. No.2 + Sl. No.3 + Sl. No.4] :

Note: * Cost of lump sum Man-day rate shall be inclusive of taxes and levies and DA; but, 
           excluding TA, accommodation and Service Tax and education cess

Lump Sum Price (A I +A II): 

B.     Man-day Rate (applicable beyond specified man-days under Sl. No. A.II):

Sl. No.	Activity Name	*Unit Rate of           Man-day (Local/Foreign)	Service Taxes
1.	Main Plant Package:                 Contractor - BHEL		As per the then prevailing Rate
2.	Coal Handling Plant Package
3.	Ash Handling Plant Package
4.	Intake Water and Plant Water  System  Package

Note: * Man-day rate shall be inclusive of taxes and levies and DA; but, excluding TA, 
           accommodation and Service Tax and education cess

Special Note: The lump sum prices/unit rates (on Man-month and Man-day basis) as

                        mentioned under Sl. Nos. (A) and (B) above, shall be firm with an 
                       extended validity of one (1) year beyond specified completion schedule