Loss to power infra in Punjab pegged at Rs 50 crore

While power supply remains interrupted in a majority of the flood-affected villages in the state, the initial estimates peg the losses caused to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) infrastructure at Rs 50 crore across 12 districts. The figure is likely to go up after the flood water recedes and comprehensive assessment is done.

The power supply is likely to be restored in flood-affected areas only after the water recedes, to avoid any threat to human and animal life due to electrocution.

The maximum damage (around Rs 25 crore) has been in the border zone. “The damaged equipment includes more than 6,500 electricity poles, 2,300 transformers, 7,500 km transmission conductor and 22 sub. Office infrastructure, buildings, furniture and other items have also been damaged,” said a senior official.

The central zone alone has reported damages worth over Rs 8 crore as around 140 transformers were rendered non-functional, 225 electricity poles were damaged and approximately 13 km overhead electrical wires affected.

During the floods in 2023, the PSPCL had suffered Rs 16-crore damage to the infrastructure. “We will be able to restore regular power supply once the water recedes and all precautions are taken to avoid danger of electrocution,” said a top PSPCL official.

Earlier, the state government had estimated a loss of Rs 13,289 crore due to floods. It has been demanding a special relief package from the Centre to compensate people for the losses to property and farming. The state also wants funds for the repair of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges etc.