Unscheduled power cuts haunt Baramulla residents

Baramulla, Dec 18  : The Power Development Department here often attributes the frequent power cuts to extra demand of power in winter.

However, according to sources, it is the ‘ailing’ power distribution system in the district, coupled with overloaded grid stations, which is hampering the PDD to draw more energy.

According to sources, the existing power receiving stations of Amargarh, Pattan and Sheeri are so overloaded that the PDD finds it difficult to draw more power, thus making the residents suffer due to erratic power cuts. “The department is not in a position to receive the required power as the existing receiving system is stretched beyond its capacity, prompting the PDD to go for unscheduled power cuts," said a PDD official, wishing anonymity.

The poor power distribution system, he said, has also been a matter of concern for the past many years.

According to sources, the outdated distribution system is leading to huge power losses.

Pertinently, the much-awaited 220-132 KV Amargarh-Delina grid station, which is almost complete but awaiting commissioning, is believed to address the problem of frequent power cuts. But the delay in its commissioning has raised many eyebrows.

Constructed by M/S Jyoti Constructions at an estimated cost of Rs 65 crores, the work on the project was initiated in 2008. While the authorities claim that the delay in completion of the project has been “due to disturbances in Kashmir in 2008 and 2010”, there is more to it than meets the eye. A similar power grid station in south Kashmir—the work on which was initiated simultaneously—has already been commissioned some six months back.

“We are carrying out the load-testing of this power grid station and within few days it will be commissioned," said Executive Engineer PDD Baramulla Irshad Ahmad.

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