New Delhi, Dec 08: Union Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, R. K. Singh, along with Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, convened a high-level meeting to evaluate the power sector’s status in the region.
H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary of the Power Development Department, presented an in-depth overview of recent accomplishments, underscoring proactive measures taken to ensure robust power availability.
Key highlights from the meeting include the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 2500 MW this year, aiming to double the existing power availability in the UT in the coming years.
Union Minister R. K. Singh announced the appointment of a senior officer from the Ministry as the Nodal Officer, tasked with continuous monitoring of the power situation and addressing any gaps from the Central Pool to guarantee sufficient power supply to J&K.
Emphasising the need for swift implementation, Singh directed the Rural Electrification Corporation Power Distribution Company Limited (RECPDCL) to expedite smart metering. Additionally, CPSUs engaged in the Remote Decision Support System (RDSS) implementation were urged to promptly award and initiate the execution of all projects entrusted to them.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the persisting issue of obsolete wires and network elements, particularly in rural areas, leading to undue power interruptions. In response, Union Minister R. K. Singh called for a comprehensive proposal on the matter, assuring sufficient funding for system revamping.
A significant aspect of the meeting was the launch of “4E Wave,” a pioneering student-led National Movement for Energy Conservation. Originating from students of Government College of Engineering & Technology, Jammu, the movement focuses on four key elements: eco-friendliness, economy, education, and empowerment.
The initiative was officially inaugurated by Union Minister R. K. Singh and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The 4E Wave movement invites participation from individuals across the nation, aiming to promote sustainable practices and instill a sense of responsibility in energy conservation. A dedicated web portal, www.4ewave.com, was unveiled during the ceremony. The portal offers an interactive platform for citizens nationwide, providing information and resource-sharing related to energy conservation. Participants, upon registration, receive certificates of acknowledgment and gain access to personalized energy-saving tips, regular updates, and a dynamic platform for sharing articles on energy conservation.
Union Minister R. K. Singh emphasized that the 4E Wave movement signifies a resolute commitment to mitigating the impact of harmful carbon emissions, paving the way for a sustainable energy future. The movement actively engages individuals in reducing carbon footprints and fostering a collective responsibility for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. The Union Minister invited all Indian citizens to be part of this impactful journey toward energy conservation and a sustainable future.
Lieutenant Governor, appreciated the active participation of J&K 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.
In addition to the launch of the 4E Wave movement, the dignitaries unveiled a real-time portal, www.dtreportjk.com, designed for tracking the damage status and replacement time of Distribution Transformers. This portal aligns with the Lieutenant Governor’s emphasis on minimizing the replacement time of damaged transformers in both urban and rural areas to avoid inconvenience to the public.
