Omar announces Rs 200 cr to overcome power crisis

At a high level meeting here to review the power scenario in the state, Omar directed the finance department to release an additional amount of Rs 200 crores to procure extra power to reduce the gap and mitigate the sufferings of the people, an official spokesman said here.

Chief Minister also sanctioned Rs 12 crores to enable the Power Development Department to carry out speedy repair of damaged transformers and other system improvements requirements.

The spokesman said the power crisis was the result of an "extraordinary situation" arising out of delayed rains, drought like conditions and less availability of power in the Grid on a short term basis.

The spokesman said Chief Minister directed the PDD officials to set up round-the-clock control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu to be managed by officers of the rank of Executive Engineers to hear the grievances of the people with respect to power supply and inform the line officers about the complaints for early redressal.

Omar also directed that fresh schedule of power supply be announced and the same be adhered to in letter and spirit.

Specially constituted Enforcement teams on regular basis will conduct surprise checks to identify those indulging in power theft and the offenders will be dealt with under provisions of law, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, PDD today rescheduled the power curtailment programme in order to give relief to the people during the holy month of Ramadan.

As per the new schedule there will be a power cut once in a week from 7 pm to 11pm in the unmetered areas. Previously the cut was thrice a week, the spokesman said.