Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 4: Minister of State for Power Vikar Rasool today said that Government has taken stern action against the engineers including a PDD Chief Engineer for using sub-standard material and executing poor work on transmission line and towers in Poonch area causing massive electricity crisis in the entire district and the work on the line and towers will be completed within next two months.
Mr Rasool was replying to the Calling Attention Notice moved by newly elected NC legislator, Dr Shahnaz Ganai in the Upper House today regarding situation arisen due to loss/ damage and failure of entire electricity system in Poonch district due to recent heavy snowfall and the measures taken by Government in this behalf.
When she asked whether was it a fit case for Vigilance and whether the department has referred it to the State Vigilance Organisation, the Minister said that the Vigilance organization has already been asked by the Chief Minister to book the culprits and conduct thorough inquiry in the matter. The Minister said on the basis of complaints after power break down in the area on January 17-18 a team was sent for preliminary inquiry and it was established that sub-standard material was used in the towers and transmission line. It was also found that material had not been procured from the standard firms recommended by the Government. On these basis, the Chief Minister took serious note of it and initiated action against the engineers and other officials involved. Several employees including a Chief Engineer, were placed under suspension. Moreover the case has been referred to the State Vigilance Organization.
The Minister further claimed that Power Grid Corporation authorities have been asked by the State Government to execute the work on war footing and standard material is now being used. He said the work will be completed within one and half or maximum two months. The agency has already placed order for supply of stubs, tower material from the approved company. He said the repairing work related to foundations, recasting etc of towers has already been started.
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