Damaged transformers taking longer than govt’s 48-hr deadline for repair in Kulgam

Kulgam, Nov 17: For several days, numerous villages have anxiously awaited the repair of damaged electricity transformers to restore regular power supply. Despite officials’ claims of working diligently to expedite repairs, the prolonged wait indicates a failure to meet the standard practice of fixing these transformers within 48 hours in these rural areas.
Officials said the dwindling buffer stock has increased the pressure, forcing round-the-clock efforts to repair the transformers in Kulgam’s lone workshop.
The LG administration has fixed an 8-hour deadline for the replacement of damaged transformers in urban areas, while for rural areas transformers are to be replaced within 48 hours.
According to locals in several villages of Kulgam, the damaged transformers are not being promptly lifted. This situation compels them to gather funds and transport the damaged transformers to the workshop in Kulgam on their own.
“Our transformer at Malbagh Manzgam (A) was damaged earlier this month, repaired within two days, but got damaged again after installation. Subsequently, we collected 1400 rupees for its lift and around 1000 rupees for repairs, including the cost of oil replacement. However, despite a week passing, the transformer is still at the workshop,” said Sheeraz Zaman, a local.
Similarly, residents of Bongam K B Pora said that their transformer was damaged five days ago and is yet to be repaired. Earlier, inhabitants of a few town areas in Chawalgam faced similar issues.
Gulzar Ahmad from Y K Pora Qazigund said, “A local transformer got damaged a couple of times in the month and was repaired earlier after 15 days and 6 days respectively.”
An official at the subdivision plant in Kulgam told Rising Kashmir that they are striving to ensure the prompt delivery of the damaged transformers. “The transformers in buffer stock are devoid of vials, leading to a considerable reduction in their value. Essentially, we lack buffer stock. We are diligently working to return the transformers from the plant within 48 hours,” he said.
According to data available with Rising Kashmir, approximately 16 electricity transformers in Kulgam have been damaged, with only two of them repaired and issued as of November 11 and 13. The remaining transformers, as per the data from November 11 to 14, are still at the Kulgam plant.
An official said that 58 transformers were damaged in Kulgam during October alone, with the majority originating from the Damhal Hanjipora sub-division.
“During November, approximately 30-35 transformers have been repaired at the plant (workshop). On average, 4-5 transformers arrive at the workshop for repairs,” he added.