Come winter and the power transformers will be in huge demand. Owing to the voltage fluctuations and massive load for lighting and heating, the transformers usually get snags. A Kashmir Life report
Off late the power department has started creating a pool of transformers and whenever one stops functioning, it is being replaced. The process of replacing a transformer depends upon the influences the localities may be having. But in areas which are crucial in nature, like Lal Chowk, replacements are quick and comparatively fast.
Power Ministry recently tabled some of the information about transformers in the house. It was in response to some queries.
The department, purchased/lifted 1509 transformers in 2008-09 across J&K – 675 in Jammu and 834 in Kashmir. Installations, however, were at 1478 of which 644 were in Jammu and 834 in Kashmir.
These figures have changed in 2009-10 during which 1363 transformers were purchased/lifted – 567 in Jammu and 796 in Kashmir. As far installations go there were 548 in Jammu and 741 in Kashmir, a total of 1289.
Power department has spent Rs 140.54 crores on purchasing transformers plus allied requirements including poles and the LT/HT lines in 2008-09 – Rs 56.97 crores in Jammu and Rs 83.56 crores in Kashmir. In 2009-10, the investments on this front were marginally reduced to Rs 115.40 crores including Rs 57.16 crores in Jammu and Rs 58.24 crores in Kashmir.
A comparative study on basis of the constituency makes a good analysis. In 2008-09 Tral purchased/lifted 58 transformers – the highest for a constituency, and installed all of them. Baramulla was the second with 51 transformers, all installed. In 2009-10 it was Ganderbal, the constituency represented by chief minister that topped the list with 54 transformers purchased but only 21 were installed. It was Hazratbal that played second fiddle with 40 purchased and installed transformers.
