Omar points to Pak to warn against neglecting power needs

The alarming power situation in Pakistan should serve as warning for India to strengthen its electricity generation capabilities to meet future needs, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said today.
"(The worsening power situation in Pakistan) is a lesson for us... To focus on power generation to safeguard our future," Omar told a public gathering at Delina, 55-km from here on the Srinagar-Muzaffarbad road.
He earlier inaugurated a Rs 82.70 crore grid station and the 220KV double circuit Zainkote-Amargarh transmission line which is set to enhance net available capacity in north Kashmir from the present 160MW to 300 MW.

It will also augment supply in parts of Budgam and Srinagar districts.
The newly-inaugurated transmission line is a first-of-its -kind in the Valley wherein specially designed multi-circuit towers will simultaneously carry four circuits of 220KV each.
Talking about the dangers of not augmenting electricity generation, Omar said the people of Pakistan have to face daily power cuts of up to 22 hours.
"I remember, more than a decade back, (when) India was facing a power shortage, Pakistan was approached for supply of some 500MW to India (although an agreement) did not materialise due to some political reasons.
"Now, Pakistan is approaching India to get 500MW," he said.