Lieutenant GovernorManoj Sinha said on Monday that with the implementation of various government schemes, J&K will soon have 24×7 electricity. He stated this while inaugurating 22 receiving stations here at SKICC Srinagar.
The LG told reporters on the sidelines of a function that the power situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which was in shambles for decades, has witnessed a major turnaround with more electricity being supplied, especially in far-flung areas, as compared to previous years.
In the Kashmir Valley, additional capacities were created during the winter to enable peak demand, and 10 percent more power was supplied as compared to last year. For the first time in a single year, out of a total of 30 grid stations, 11 have been augmented, he added.
When compared to the previous 70 years, 56 percent of distribution and generation capacity has increased in the last three years. He added further that the 152-crore project would be increased in the coming time.
He continued that, at present, there are Rs. 500 crores of projects existing in the distribution grid in J&K. With the support of NTPC, REC, and others, including the installation of smart meters, we are hopeful that Jammu and Kashmir will get 24×7 electricity.
In the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, KPDCL and JPDCL signed MoUs worth Rs 1814 crore and Rs 2174 crore, respectively, with PESL (PGCIL), RECPDCL, and NTPC for the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). It will strengthen distribution infrastructure and improve electricity supply to urban and rural areas.
dedicating the power infrastructure projects to the people, the lieutenant The governor stated that the projects inaugurated today will increase distribution capacity and provide quality power to households as well as existing and upcoming industrial units in the respective areas.
He went on to say that, “The power supply situation in the Jammu region has improved after the addition of new system capacities. These initiatives “exemplify our commitment to inclusive development and to fulfilling the needs of the common man.”
Under PMDP and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, a well-planned, systematic, and comprehensive programme is being implemented for the improvement and upgrade of transmission and distribution infrastructure to streamline and strengthen the power supply across J&K, he said.
The target of 1727 MVA of capacity addition has been achieved at 220 and 132 KV levels, and a 236-circuit-kilometre transmission line has been laid. We have added 2345 MVA of capacity in the distribution sector, and 8550 new distribution transformers have been installed in residential areas. Four megahydro projects will be completed in the coming years.
57,000 smart metres were installed in the first phase of the smart metering project, and 1.25 lakh smart metres will be installed in Phase II, he said.
As per Kashmir Power Distribution Limited Corporation, this will provide a major boost to electricity, and those areas where these receiving stations have been inaugurated will face fewer power cuts.
An official of the department told Rising Kashmir that in the recent three years, the Kashmir valley has witnessed massive reformation in the PDD. Before three years, the people in the valley were facing an acute power crisis; however, the same has changed, and now they are being provided electricity as per the schedule.
He went on to say that while some people are experiencing power outages, particularly during the winter, this will be resolved once the other receiving stations are operational.
This winter, the Kashmir valley has witnessed fewer power cuts as compared to previous winters, and the same is increasing with every passing year.