The Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to ensure that the people especially living in the winter zone of the State get adequate supply of electricity during the winter months.The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing PDD officers during a review meeting convened through video conferencing here today.Commissioner/ Secretary Power Development Department, Mr Dheeraj Gupta, Development Commissioner Power, Mr. Gul Ayaz , Chief Engineers, Superintending engineers and senior officers were present in the meeting.The Deputy Chief Minster directed the officers to ensure that the consumers especially those living in the winter zones of the state including Kashmir, Leh, Kargil, Doda, Bhaderwah, Rajouri and Poonch get the requisite supply of electricity so that they do not feel any inconvenience especially during the ongoing winter season. He said there should be adequate rationalization of electricity so that no area is left-out. "The power cuts should also be rationalized", he added.While directing for ensuring that the damaged transformers are repaired within the shortest possible time Dr Singh said the officers should also create a pool of transformers so that damaged transformers are replaced immediately and the consumers do not face any inconvenience. He said the officers working in the field should regularly monitor the repairs of the damaged transformers besides ensuring installation of new ones.
Dr Singh also directed for early replacement and repair of the damaged electric conductors so that the transmission of electricity to various far-flung areas of the state does not get hampered. He said they should also regularly monitor the transmission lines as well especially in the areas which have witnessed heavy snowfall.The Deputy Chief Minister also asked for maintaining a close liaison with the people at ground to get first hand information about the problems being faced by them viz-a-viz the power and also hold regular media briefings in order to get the requisite feedback about the remedial measures to be undertaken.The meeting was told that in Kashmir division 120 damaged transformers have repaired whereas in Jammu out of 74, 64 new ones have been installed.