Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 21: In order to overcome increased demand of power during holy month of Ramzaan and peak summer season in Jammu, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today issued directions to Power Development Department (PDD) to purchase additional 250 MW of power.
He also asked the PDD to put in place an institutional mechanism to check pilferage and improve recovery so that the burgeoning gap between power purchase and revenue realization is reduced.
The Chief Minister issued these directions while chairing a high-level meeting to review working of the Power Development Department (PDD), here today.
Calling upon Principal Secretary PDD to ensure that uninterrupted electricity is provided to people during fasting month of Ramzaan, especially sehri and iftaar, Mufti Sayeed said he will examine the issue of increasing power purchase allocation of PDD. He said the additional purchase will also augment power supply in Jammu providing much needed relief to people from scorching summer heat.
The Chief Minister also instructed PDD to stick to fixed schedules of load shedding and not resort to undeclared power cuts.
Mufti Sayeed, however, linked purchase of power to improvement in recovery by putting an effective monitoring system in place that checks pilferage. “Surprise and random checking will act as a deterrent against power theft for which the Department will have to evolve an effective mechanism,” he stressed.
On the issue of providing funds for restoration of power infrastructure damaged in 2014 floods, Principal Secretary Planning informed the Chief Minister that a DPR has been prepared which envisages cost of Rs 170 crore to begin long-term restoration of power sector infrastructure.
The Chief Minister was also briefed about harnessing 7500 MW of solar power in Ladakh Division under National Solar Mission of the Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. It was given out in the meeting that 2,000 hectares of land will be acquired to generate 2,000 MW of solar power in the first phase.
Calling upon the Department to minimize distribution and transmission losses, Mufti Sayeed directed PDD to expedite ongoing works under R-ADRP by pulling up the executing agencies so that all projects are completed within the stipulated timelines.
The Chief Minister was also briefed about the measures being taken for 100% metering and use of advance technology by installing pre-paid meters. He was also informed about the steps being taken for setting up Chenab Power Management and Training Institute for skill up-gradation of youth.
Mufti Sayeed had earlier announced establishment of a skill development institute in Chenab Valley, given the huge potential of the region in hydropower generation.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh who also holds the charge of Power Department, said the Government will harness the huge potential in hydel power generation so that the State becomes self-reliant. “We also need to take effective steps to reduce distribution and transmission losses in power sector as well as increase revenue realization,” he added.
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