Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh today directed the officers of the Power Development Department (PDD) to expedite work on various projects especially those taken up under Prime Minister’s Development Package - 2015.The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at a meeting convened to discuss implementation of various schemes in the power sector. Commissioner /Secretary Power Development Department (PDD) Mr Dheeraj Gupta, Development Commissioner Power Sheikh Gul Ayaz, Chief Engineers and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.The Deputy Chief Minister asked the officers to synergize their efforts, so that effective implementation of various initiatives meant for augmentation of the power infra under the PMDP is fast paced and these are completed within the stipulated timeline. He said commissioning of these projects would go a long way in providing hassle free power supply to the consumers of the state.
Dr Singh said it has to be ensured that the funds earmarked for the power sector are utilized fully so that the problems being faced in the transmission, distribution and generation of power are mitigated and people get benefit from the same. “We have to ensure that the funds released by the centre to the tune of Rs 11650 crore are fully utilized, so that proper augmentation and renovation of the existing power infra is done and new ones are added as well’, he added.The Deputy Chief Minister also directed for expediting work under RAPDRP maintaining it would go a long way in improving the distribution of power in major towns in the state. He also called for expediting the implementation of DDUJGY and carrying out necessary formalities needed for it.The meeting was told that out of the total amount of Rs 11650 crore earmarked under PMDP, an amount of Rs 6153 crore has been earmarked for improving the power generation in the state. Similarly, an amount of Rs 4332 cr has been kept for improving distribution network in the state and Rs 1250 Cr for improving transmission capabilities, out of which Rs 400 cr each are for Jammu , Kashmir divisions and Rs 300 cr for Ladakh. It was also given out the PMAs would soon be constituted for implementation of various schemes.