Public demands dismantling of defunct 132 KV line in Janipur

Defunct 132 KV transmission tower awaits dismantling in a narrow lane of Janipur area in Jammu.
Defunct 132 KV transmission tower awaits dismantling in a narrow lane of Janipur area in Jammu.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 15: The residents of Indira Colony, Lakad Mandi and Excelsior Lane, adjoining Court Complex in Janipur area, have urged the J&K Power Development Department to dismantle/remove ‘defunct’ 132 KV Transmission line passing over the residential houses, shops, temple and other building in Ward 36.
A deputation of residents of these areas, who visited Excelsior office today, expressed its serious concern over the issue and indifferent attitude of the concerned agency. They revealed that they have been approaching various authorities in the PDD, Divisional and State Administration for the last more than eight years, but nothing has been done in this regard till date.
Even a petition was filed in the High Court at Jammu and the court directed the respondents to accord consideration to the grievances of the public but the PDD authorities did not bother to address the issue. A deputation of the public had approached the then Advisor to the Lt Governor, K K Sharma, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, Development Commissioner Power during 2019 but no action on the ground was visible despite assurances to the deputations.
The deputation also approached Managing Director, JKPTCL and submitted a memorandum in this regard during July 2022. It was learnt that a DPR of the dismantling of this portion of defunct Transmission line has been prepared and is lying in the office of Chief Engineer JKPTCL, Jammu for approval but no action with regard to removal of the Transmission line has been taken so far.
The aggrieved public has now sought the personal intervention of the Lt Governor of J&K UT, Manoj Sinha into the matter.