PDD Minister Ali Sagar says power amnesty scheme on cards

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 07 (STC): An amnesty scheme for electricity consumers is under government’s consideration, disclosed Minister for Power Development Department (PDD) Ali Mohammad Sagar here today. He has directed officials to ensure adequate power supply during the winter months and minimise unscheduled outages across Kashmir.
The power minister stated this during a visit to the 220/132/33 KV Grid Station at Alusteng, where he reviewed the power supply position, existing infrastructure and the department’s preparedness to meet increased electricity demand during winter.
The Minister said the government was considering an amnesty scheme for electricity consumers, adding that the proposal was in the pipeline.
During the inspection, Ali Sagar assessed the functioning of the grid station, its transformation capacity, distribution arrangements and measures being undertaken to ensure reliable electricity supply, particularly in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.
He directed the officers to minimise unscheduled power cuts and ensure that consumers receive adequate electricity in accordance with the prescribed curtailment schedule.
He said timely maintenance of infrastructure, effective coordination among field functionaries and prompt response to technical faults were essential to address winter-related challenges.
The minister asked Chief Engineers and other senior officers to maintain close coordination with local representatives and residents, regularly assess ground-level requirements and ensure prompt redressal of public grievances.
He also directed the department to pay special attention to Kangan and adjoining areas and take necessary measures to address electricity supply issues.
The officials informed the Minister that the Alusteng Grid Station has an existing transformation capacity of 320 MVA and supplies electricity to several areas of Srinagar and Ganderbal, including Alusteng, Shuhama, Nagbal, Gadoora, Tulbagh and adjoining localities through associated receiving stations.
To strengthen the transmission network and meet growing electricity demand, the department has proposed augmenting the grid station’s capacity from 320 MVA to 475 MVA at an estimated cost of Rs 56.78 crore.
The Minister said the proposed augmentation would strengthen the transmission infrastructure and improve the availability, reliability and quality of electricity supply to consumers in the two districts.
He directed the concerned officers to ensure that necessary arrangements are completed well ahead of the peak winter season to prevent avoidable disruptions in electricity supply.

(Straight Talk Communications)