Srinagar, Apr 20: In a proactive move to address the impending power challenges in the upcoming summer months, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over a comprehensive review meeting of the Power Development Department.
The session, held to evaluate crucial matters pertaining to power supply, witnessed the participation of eminent officials including Sh. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary, Finance Department; H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department; and Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lt. Governor, alongside key representatives from Jammu and Kashmir Power DISCOMs, Chief Engineers, and other senior officers.
During the meeting, Lt Governor Sinha meticulously examined the prevailing power situation and scrutinized the progress of pivotal power projects. Of particular focus were measures aimed at curbing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, augmenting capacity, and advancing the installation of smart meters.
In a bid to combat power theft, Lt Governor Sinha underscored the imperative of bolstering enforcement efforts on the ground. He further advocated for streamlining procedures pertaining to new power connections to enhance consumer convenience.
Moreover, deliberations ensued regarding the advancement of the underground cabling project for the Grid connectivity of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, spanning from Rayil Pathri to Holy Cave and from Sangam top to Panjtarni.
Emphasising the significance of timely completion, Lt Governor Sinha instructed officials to expedite efforts before the commencement of the sacred Yatra.
Lt Governor Sinha issued directives to ensure adequate power availability throughout the summer season. Additionally, he underscored the importance of raising awareness about the ‘PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana’ scheme, designed to empower households to not only reduce electricity bills but also generate additional income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs.