SRINAGAR: Amid a surge in damage to electric transformers, the government is considering replacing damaged transformers within four hours in city areas of both the Jammu and Kashmir regions. However, in case of damage to electric transformers in rural areas, authorities have stated that they will replace them within 24 hours.
Principal Secretary Power Development Department (PDD) H Rajesh Prasad said, “We want damaged transformers to be maintained and replaced at the earliest because when there is no transformer in the area, there will be no electricity.”
He added, “The administration has instructed us to replace or repair the damaged transformers within four hours in city areas of both Jammu and Kashmir regions.”
“In rural areas, we are already trying to replace damaged transformers within 24 hours to provide uninterrupted power supply as per the schedule,” Prasad stated.
However, he acknowledged that it might take more than 24 hours for PDD to replace transformers in far-flung places.
Regarding the installation of smart meters, Prasad mentioned, “Out of 21 lakh consumers, as of now, we have already installed 4.27 lakh smart meters in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Addressing the issue of unscheduled power cuts, the principal secretary noted that the government has instructed the concerned authorities to adhere to the prescribed schedule.
“We have also instructed that there shall be no unscheduled power cuts unless necessary for maintenance purposes,” he said.
When asked about the complaints of ongoing unscheduled power cuts in various areas of the Kashmir region, Prasad stated, “We will streamline everything and will not leave any gap.”
“In some areas, unscheduled power cuts may occur due to technical difficulties,” he added. Meanwhile, residents of various parts of South, North, and Central Kashmir informed KNO that they are facing unscheduled cuts during the daytime, especially in the evening hours. They are urging LG Manoj Sinha to intervene and end the pesky power cuts during the bone-chilling cold. (KNO)
