Srinagar,July 25 (Scoop News) -The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced various measures to overcome the power crises due to an extraordinary situation arising out of delayed rains, drought like conditions and less availability of power in the Grid on a short term basis and laid emphasis on an accelerated pace of reforms for a futuristic long term impact.
At a high level meeting here to review the power scenario in the state, the Chief Minister in order to narrow the demand and supply gap in the power in the next two months, directed the Finance Department to release an additional amount of Rs. 200.00 crores to procure extra power to reduce the gap and mitigate the sufferings of the people. He also sanctioned Rs. 12.00 crores to enable the Power Development Department to carry out speedy repair of damaged transformers and other system improvement requirements.
The Chief Minister directed the PDD officials to set up 24×7 control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu to be managed by officers of the rank of Executive Engineers to hear the grievances of the people with respect to power supply and inform the line officers about the complaints for early redressal.
Omar Abdullah also directed that fresh schedule of power supply be announced and the same be adhered to in letter and spirit. He directed the Minister of State for Power Shabir Ahmad Khan and Principal Secretary Power Development Department Sudanshu Panday to personally ensure that the schedule so fixed is adhered to particularly in the light of additional power being purchased. He asked them both to keep a close watch on the working of the frontline Engineering staff and any delinquency observed be informed and suitable action be taken to bring accountability in the system.
Alongside the improvement of power availability and replacement of damaged transformers as also minor infrastructure and system requirement works the Power Development Department has been directed by the Government to take stringent measures against those found involved in illegal use of power. Specially constituted Enforcement teams on regular basis will conduct surprise checks to identify those indulging in power theft and the offenders will be dealt with under provisions of law, said an official spokesman.