Already hit by the economic meltdown and extraordinary concessions to the industry in the neighbouring states, the industry in Mohali and Dera Bassi is passing through a difficult phase after the mandatory power cuts were increased to 34 hours per week.

The residents of Kharar woke up without power on Thursday, which was restored around 8 am. The supply was suspended again at 9 am only to be restored at 1 pm.

In Mohali, the residents faced a five-hour power cut from 10 am to 3 pm, double the two-hour daily power cut being imposed.

“This is the New Year gift by the Punjab State Electricity Board (PSEB),” rued a Sector 68 resident, Amita.

Kharar PSEB SDE Harbans Singh feigned ignorance over the eight-hour power cut and said it might have been caused due to “tripping of some line”.

Meanwhile, the worst-hit local industrial units have even given an extended leave to a majority of their staff. “The situation has adversely affected our units, forcing many of us to shut our shops,” said the Mohali

Industries Association (MIA) president B S Anand.

A local industrialist Sanjeev Kumar said: “With exports shrinking drastically and the domestic market in doldrums, the current scenario for local industry looks very gloomy.”

Industrialist H P Singh rued, “Poor planning and lack of foresight on the part of the successive and present governments have left us in a state of misery.”

MIA General Secretary K S Mahal said: “With the onset of recession, the industries are already finding it difficult to run their businesses and their worries are extended further due to non-availability of power for completion of ongoing commitments.”

“Though the state government projected Mohali as the next IT destination and industrial hub at par with Noida, the appalling situation is not only forcing the present industry to shift base but also discouraging foreign investment,” said BPO employee Shriya, while apprehending that the present