SRINAGAR: Union Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, R K Singh, and Lieutenant Governor of JK, Manoj Sinha co-chaired a high-level meeting to review the power sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was informed that JK administration has implemented numerous proactive measures to ensure an ample supply of power, both in the short-term and medium-term. As part of these efforts, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 2500 MW have been signed this year, with the goal of doubling the current power availability in the Union Territory.
The Union Minister, while addressing the meeting, said that a senior officer from the Ministry would act as the Nodal Officer, responsible for continuous monitoring of power situation and addressing any gaps from the Central Pool to ensure adequate power supply to J&K.
The Union Minister directed the project implementing agency, RECPDCL to expeditiously implement smart metering, ensuring end to end solution including integration with MDM, enabling pre-paid functionality and other smart features so that benefits of the technology are effectively passed on to the consumers.
He directed the CPSUs engaged in RDSS implementation to promptly award and initiate execution of all projects entrusted to them, recognizing the intended impact of RDSS works in transforming J&K’s power sector.
The Lieutenant Governor apprised the Union Minister of the continuance of obsolete wires and other network elements especially in rural areas which cause undue power interruptions.
The Union Minister called for a comprehensive proposal for the same and assured sufficient funding for system revamping.
Apart from the technical matters, a notable highlight of the meeting was launching of 4E Wave – A Student led National Movement for Energy Conservation by the Union Minister and Lieutenant Governor of J&K.
The 4E Wave movement, first of its kind, encapsulates four key elements including eco-friendliness; promoting energy-saving practices that are environmentally friendly, economy; emphasizing energy-saving solutions that lead to economic benefits for individuals and communities, education; focusing on educating the public about energy- saving methods and their importance and empowerment; empowering individuals and communities to take active roles in conserving energy.
The movement strives to promote sustainable practices and instill a sense of responsibility in individuals and communities to save energy.
Originating from the students of Government College of Engineering & Technology (GCET), Jammu, this youth led movement, launched with the support of J&K Power Development Department and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Union Ministry of Power, invites individuals across the nation to contribute to the vital cause of energy conservation.
During the launching ceremony of the 4E wave, a web portal viz. www.4ewave.com was also unveiled by the dignitaries, which will provide an interactive platform to the citizens nationwide for information and resource sharing related to energy conservation.
Union Minister emphasised that the 4E Wave movement marks a resolute commitment to mitigate the impact of harmful carbon emissions, and paving the way for a sustainable energy future. By actively engaging in the 4E Wave campaign, individuals are not only taking steps toward reducing carbon footprints but are also fostering a collective responsibility for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. He invited all Indian citizens to be part of this impactful journey toward energy conservation and sustainable future.
Lieutenant Governor, appreciated the active participation of JK youth in this noble cause. He commended the efforts of State Designated Agency for Energy Conservation, J&K Power Development Department, Principal GCET Jammu and Director General BEE, MoP for supporting the campaign.
Lieutenant Governor mentioned that this initiative will significantly contribute towards promoting the National Cause of Energy Conservation and play a crucial role in safeguarding the planet.
Besides, a real time portal,www.dtreportjk.com, for tracking Distribution Transformer’s damage status and replacement time was also launched by the dignitaries during the occasion. The portal provides the citizens with the up-to-date information concerning damage status of Distribution Transformers in their respective areas. The portal aligns with the concern of the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, who consistently emphasizes for minimizing the replacement time of damaged DTs in both urban and rural areas, for avoiding inconvenience to the public.
