J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed asks state department to ensure power as per schedule

SRINAGAR: With winter chill setting in earlier than expected, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to work out an institutional mechanism that will ensure availability of power as per the notified schedule.

"With onset of winter, it has become imperative to educate people to make judicious use of power, enabling the department to deliver better services and reduce damage to transformers," Sayeed said at a review meeting here last evening.

Sayeed also issued instructions to fast-track installation of electricity meters and gearing up inspections to check the pilferage of power.

Pointing out the difficulties countenanced by people in winter when peak demand for electricity goes up manifold, Sayeed stressed upon creation of an institutional grid that monitors curtailment schedules and power pilferage.

"It is the duty of the department to religiously adhere to curtailment schedules so that people do not face any hardships," he said.

During harsh winters in the past, the people have faced difficulties due to regular power outages and breakdown of transformers.

Sayeed was also apprised about the expected improvement in power generation by 450 MW Baghliar II, which is being commissioned next month. He was also informed that some deficit can be overcome by banking in additional power in view of the generation available from Baghliar II during summers.

While reviewing demand and availability scenario, the chief minister also directed the chief secretary to fast-track 100 per cent metering to ensure prudent use of electricity.

Sayeed noted with concern the slow pace of metering in uncovered areas.

"A transformer bank should also be created so that people do not suffer in case of breakdowns," he added.

The chief minister was informed that out of 16.50 lakh power connections, 53 per cent have been metered so far. As many as 20,000 meters have been procured under RAPDRP through turn-key contract and their installation initiated.