Mufti directs PDD to buy addl power for Ramadan

Srinagar, May 21

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to purchase additional 250 MW of power to overcome increased demand during the forthcoming holy fasting month of Ramadan and peak summer season in Jammu.

“In order to overcome increased demand of power during the holy month of Ramadan and peak summer season in Jammu, Sayeed issued directions to the PDD to purchase additional 250 MW of power,” an official spokesman said.

The spokesman said the Chief Minister issued the direction while chairing a high-level meeting to review the working of the PDD here.

Calling upon the department to ensure that uninterrupted electricity is provided to people during the fasting month of Ramadan, especially at ‘sehri’ (start of the daylong fast) and ‘iftaar’ (breaking of the fast), Sayeed said he would examine the issue of increasing power purchase allocation of the department.

He said the additional purchase would also augment power supply in Jammu, providing much needed relief to people from scorching summer heat.

The Chief Minister also instructed the PDD to stick to fixed schedules of load shedding and not resort to undeclared power cuts.

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 last year’s floods, the Chief Minister was informed that a DPR has been prepared which envisages a cost of Rs 170 crore to begin long-term restoration of power sector infrastructure.

The Chief Minister was also briefed about harnessing 7,500 MW of solar power in the Ladakh division under National Solar Mission of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the spokesman said, adding that 2,000 hectares would be acquired to generate 2,000 MW of solar power in the first phase.

He said the Chief Minister was also briefed about the measures being taken for 100 per cent metering and use of advance technology by installing pre-paid meters.

Sayeed was also informed about the steps being taken for setting up Chenab Power Management and Training Institute for skill upgrade of youth, the spokesman said.

The Chief Minister had earlier announced establishment of a skill development institute in the Chenab Valley, given the huge potential of the region in hydropower generation.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of the Power Department, said the government would harness huge potential in hydel power generation so that the state becomes self-reliant. — PTI

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