Srinagar, Apr 30: In the wake of recent flash floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir, the region’s electricity infrastructure has incurred substantial damage, officials revealed on Tuesday.
With approximately 1,100 electricity poles toppled and 30 electricity feeders disrupted in the Kashmir region alone, the aftermath of the natural calamities has left a significant impact on the power supply network.
Speaking exclusively to Rising Kashmir, H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary to the Power Development Department in Kashmir, described the situation, stating, “The flash floods had caused significant damage to power infrastructure, with 600 poles damaged in the Kashmir region and 500 in the Jammu region.” He further noted the extensive damage suffered by conductors and distribution transformers.
Prasad highlighted the severity of the situation in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, where flash floods inflicted major damage. He stated, “As soon as the weather improved, work began on the restoration, and some feeders and electricity poles have already been restored. It is estimated that restoring the entire damaged infrastructure will take the next two to three days.”
While acknowledging routine damage in other districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Prasad assured that no major incidents were reported in other areas of the Kashmir Valley. He affirmed, “Currently, our focus is on restoring electricity, as several areas are affected.”
Prasad expressed confidence in the restoration efforts, stating, “Our teams have successfully managed to restore some of the affected areas, and in the next two days, all affected areas will be restored.” He also addressed power supply issues in the Kashmir Valley, noting, “In the Kashmir Valley, we have also increased power supply and an issue that arose a few days ago has been rectified.”
Regarding specific incidents, Prasad detailed the damage caused by the land sinking incident in KakralaMorh, Parnote area. He disclosed, “400 KVK lines were damaged, and another 400 KVK lines were shutdown as a precautionary measure.” Assuring coordinated efforts with other departments, he added, “After proper consultation with the mining and geological department, a permanent solution will be implemented.”
Prasad mentioned the damage to four transmission towers in the Gool sub-division within Ramban district headquarters on Thursday evening, indicating the breadth of the infrastructure challenges faced in the region amidst the recent natural disasters.
