ISLAMABAD, NOV 04 (DNA) – The continuing dense smog, which emerged with the onset of dry weather, burning of stubble in neighbouring India and emission of smoke from iron and steel re-rolling factories in Punjab, forced authorities on Friday to close nuclear power plants of 1,200-megawatt capacity and several grid stations tripped, causing power breakdown in several parts of the country.

In the wake of the crisis, the Power Division directed the National Power Control Centre (NPCC) to chalk out an emergency demand and supply management plan for 72 hours by the time the nuclear power plants were restored.

A separate long-term management plan will also be prepared by the NPCC. However, since the demand is coming down with the fall in temperature levels, the situation is expected to show improvement soon.