Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State with independent charge for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, called on the Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, here this morning.During the meeting, the Chief Minister told the Union Minister that quality and affordable power to the consumers in the state will be his Government's top-most priority. He raised the matter of taking effective steps in reducing power distribution and transmission losses, considered to be the weakest link in the power sector.The Union Minister assured Mufti Sayeed of Centre’s support in reducing transmission and distribution losses through a comprehensive programme of strengthening of the transmission network with a view to ensuring speedy and time-bound implementation of the programme. He requested for nominating a Nodal Officer who will coordinate with the Union Power Ministry on various aspects relating to the transmission system.Stating that losses caused to J&K on account of Indus Water Treaty are enormous, the Chief Minister called upon fast-tracking of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana and R-APDRP, the two Government of India schemes, aimed at providing continuous power supply to all homes in rural and urban areas.
The Chief Minister observed that power sector is a key area which can transform the State and provide fillip to its economic development .He requested the Union Power Minister to expedite work on the completion of Leh-Kargil-Srinagar Transmission Line, which will go a long way in augmenting power scenario in the State.On the issue of underground cabling of power lines in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Patnitop, the Union Minister assured the Chief Minister of considering the proposal under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS), once a DPR is submitted by the State Government.
For promoting convention tourism in the State, Piyush Goyal also indicated that he will direct PSUs falling within the domain of his Ministry to hold their Board Meetings at the picturesque resort of Gulmarg.The Union Minister, accompanied by a Central team, will be holding discussions with Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh, who holds the portfolio of Power Development Department, on various aspects related to generation, distribution and transmission so as to realize on ground 24x7 power programme of the Government.