Srinagar, Nov 4: Darker nights are ahead as Power Development Department has failed to augment the existing infrastructure to receive additional electricity from the central grids.
“We provide on an average 1200 MWs of electricity to consumers in Kashmir. During winters the demand reaches to 2000 MWs. There is no chance of improvement in power supply this winter as PDD has failed to put in place required infrastructure for receiving additional electricity from the central grids,” said a senior official of the Power Development Department.
For the last few years, Centre has been allotting additional electricity to Jammu and Kashmir to overcome power crisis during winters. Last year, Centre allocated additional 700 MWs of power to Jammu and Kashmir in view of higher demand in winters.
“Additional allocation of power will end power crisis only when required infrastructure is in place. How will we handle additional power when there is no infrastructure available? There will be improvement in power supply only when new girds are commissioned,” the official said.
Works on several grid stations have been going on for several years in the valley. Sources said almost all of them are running behind schedule. Sample this: Work on Alastang grid station started in 2010 but it is yet to be completed. Similarly, construction of grid station at Ahmedpora in Magam is yet to be completed. Completion of other grid stations including Lassipora, Pulwama, Chrar-i-Sharif and Delina are facing delays.
The official said that there is an immense load on Pampore and Zainakote power grid stations which caters to Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Pulwama districts. “Ganderbal gets electricity from Zainakote grid station which always remains overloaded,” the official said.
Chief Engineer, Power Development Department Kashmir, Qazi Hashmat admitted that Kashmir lacks the required electricity infrastructure.
“Alastang grid station is expected to be completed by the end of this month. It may help to improve the power scenario. There is a need for augmenting existing infrastructure for improving power supply situation,” he added.
