Srinagar, Oct 30 (NVI): Newly-inducted Minister for Power Development Department Ali Mohammad Sagar on Friday reviewed the functioning of the power sector in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed comprehensive winter preparedness.
He also pressed for timely completion of ongoing projects and uninterrupted electricity supply, particularly in remote and snow-bound areas.
Chairing a review meeting of the Power Development Department (PDD) at the Civil Secretariat here, Sagar took stock of the overall power scenario, ongoing infrastructure projects, electricity generation and procurement arrangements, besides assessing the department’s preparedness for the forthcoming winter season.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, PDD, Ashwani Kumar, managing directors of various power corporations, chief engineers and other senior officers. Officers stationed in Jammu participated through virtual mode.
During the meeting, the minister was briefed on the progress of developmental works, transmission and distribution infrastructure, power availability, financial performance and operational challenges faced by the department.
Emphasising that reliable and affordable electricity was an essential public service, Sagar directed the officers to ensure that all departmental initiatives translate into tangible improvements in power supply and consumer satisfaction.
Reviewing winter preparedness, he called for advance arrangements, particularly in snow-bound, hilly, far-flung and remote areas, and directed officials to maintain adequate stocks of transformers, cables, conductors and other essential equipment at strategically identified locations for immediate restoration of electricity during emergencies.
He also stressed regular inspection of vulnerable infrastructure, deployment of adequate technical manpower and machinery, and strengthening of field-level response mechanisms to ensure speedy restoration of power during adverse weather conditions.
The minister directed the department to accord priority to uninterrupted electricity supply to hospitals, healthcare centres, drinking water installations, educational institutions and other essential public utilities during heavy snowfall and inclement weather.
The meeting also reviewed the overall power availability and demand-supply position, including the proposed procurement of around 200 MW of electricity from Uttar Pradesh through power exchange arrangements to bridge the anticipated shortfall during peak winter demand.
Sagar stressed the need for advance assessment of electricity requirements and timely procurement planning to ensure adequate availability of power across Jammu and Kashmir.
Reviewing the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), he directed officers to expedite works related to strengthening the distribution network, replacement of overloaded transformers, improvement of feeder infrastructure and reduction of technical and commercial losses.
The status of smart meter installation across the Union Territory was also reviewed. The minister said technological interventions should improve transparency, ensure accurate billing and strengthen accountability and consumer services.
He further reviewed transmission lines, grid stations, capacity enhancement and maintenance works, directing officers to identify infrastructure gaps and remove bottlenecks to improve the reliability of the power network.
On the financial health of the department, Sagar stressed improving billing efficiency, revenue collection and reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, while ensuring transparency and safeguarding the interests of genuine consumers.
The minister also directed officers to adopt a consumer-friendly approach and ensure prompt redressal of complaints related to unscheduled power cuts, faulty transformers, damaged distribution lines, low voltage and delays in restoration of electricity.
The status of the electricity amnesty scheme was also discussed, with Sagar calling for simplified procedures, effective public outreach and timely disposal of cases to ensure that eligible consumers receive its benefits.
The long-pending issues concerning PDL and CLW workers engaged with the department also came up for discussion. The minister directed the concerned authorities to examine their cases under applicable government policies and rules and formulate an appropriate roadmap for their job security, rehabilitation and regularisation wherever permissible.
Reviewing major ongoing and proposed power projects, Sagar emphasised timely execution and effective coordination among different wings of the department.
He also directed field officers to maintain regular interaction with MLAs, elected public representatives and village heads, irrespective of their political affiliations, to address local issues and improve service delivery.
The minister called for exploring sustainable energy solutions, promoting solar power and renewable energy, strengthening feeder-level monitoring and encouraging energy conservation.
He said the department’s performance should not be assessed merely on the basis of projects completed or expenditure incurred, but primarily on the actual improvement in the reliability, accessibility and quality of electricity services experienced by consumers.—(NVI)
