PSPCL incurs Rs 5L loss due to rain, hailstorm

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 4

In the aftermath of hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds that lashed the city on Saturday, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has reported losses amounting to approximately Rs 5 lakh.

The onslaught of adverse weather conditions wreaked havoc on the region, causing damage to about 10-12 electric poles, four transformers and a number of cables.

Moreover, PSPCL’s helpline and other contact numbers were flooded with over 6,000 complaints within past 48 hours. Several areas endured prolonged power cuts, lasting between 15 to 20 hours. It wasn’t until the previous night that electricity was gradually restored to some parts of the affected areas.

The north area bore the brunt of the weather, witnessing extensive damage with numerous trees getting uprooted and thoroughfares being obstructed. Other areas, including Urban Estate, Vikaspuri, Model House, Model Town, Cantonment road and Khingra Gate, suffered major disruptions.

Kamlesh Singh, a resident of Urban Estate Phase-1, lamented the unprecedented devastation in his locality. Uprooted trees littered the streets, impeding traffic flow while exacerbating power outages. He underscored the deteriorating state of the city’s infrastructure, citing inundated roads, loose wires and precariously hanging electric poles as pressing concerns.

Manisha, residing in Model Town, highlighted the prolonged power outages in her locality, urging the authorities to fortify preparations against such increasingly common weather events, fuelled by climate change.

Residents emphasised the urgency to bolster staffing within both power and municipal corporations to effectively manage such crises.

Surinder, Superintending Engineer of the distribution system at PSPCL, Jalandhar, said the department incurred minimal losses, and the situation was well managed with electricity restored in nearly all areas by Sunday evening.

He emphasised the diligent efforts of the staff who have been tirelessly working since Saturday to expedite repair work and assess the locations where poles or cables encountered minor faults.

Poles, transformers damaged

The onslaught of adverse weather conditions wreaked havoc on the region, causing damage to about 10-12 electric poles, four transformers and a number of cables.

Areas sans power for 15-20 hrs

Several areas endured prolonged power cuts, lasting between 15 to 20 hours. It wasn’t until the previous night that electricity was gradually restored to some parts of the affected areas.

Supply restored by Sunday evening

Surinder, Superintending Engineer of the distribution system at PSPCL, Jalandhar, said the department incurred minimal losses, and the situation was well managed with electricity restored in nearly all areas by Sunday evening.

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