WE THE PEOPLE
Power crisis deepens, not only major segments but even metered households face frequent power-cuts nowadays
Hence people seek CM’s intervention, demand probe into Baghliar Project and transfer of Salal and Uri Plants to defuse crisis in Kashmir valley
By: Ahlam Masoodi
Srinagar: Contrary to common man’s expectations, major segments of Kashmir valley continue to reel under long shadows of darkness even after three Units of Baghliar power project were reportedly commissioned some time back with a big bang. The power-cuts are being witnessed even in metered segments of the Valley, falsifying tall claims of the Power Development Department of supplying uninterrupted electricity to them. It is alleged that only one Unit is functional, which means only 33% of the total generation have become available to the State. Why so is quite intriguing and hence needs probe to sift the grain from the chaff.
It is to be kept in mind that the power projects already taken-up and completed have not given any major relief to the people of the State because such projects are Centrally sponsored and their major share is taken away by their executors. However, it was heartening to learn that the J&K Government and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation of India (NHPC) had formally agreed upon the equity share in respect of three major power projects coming up on the river Chenab. A decision had been taken to float a Corporation with the name `Chenab Valley Corporation’ with its Chairman from Jammu and Kashmir. As per terms of the agreement, the J&K and NHPC had agreed upon the ratio of equity share in case of power sharing and employment. In power sharing, the equity share was to be 49 per cent to State and 51 per cent to NHPC. In case of employment, the sharing ratio would be 80:20 in Class IVth employees and in middle and top class posts it would remain 49:51. Besides the NHPC would give 12 per cent free power to the State and the same would be in addition to the equity share.
Moreover, to bring about efficiency and commercial viability in the power sector in J&K, the Government of India had identified distribution reforms as the key area and launched `Accelerated Power Development Programme’ during 2000-01. The scheme was to finance the projects relating to renovation and modernization, life extension and upgradation of old power plants. It included upgradation of sub-transmission and distribution network, including energy accounting and installation of meters, both in domestic and commercial establishments. The project costing Rs.6.99 crore was framed by the PDD for effective metering of all feeders and HT lines. The MoU was signed in April 2002 whereunder it was agreed to complete the metering of all feeders by December 2002, undertake energy audit at all levels and bring down losses to 25 per cent by December 2006. The scheme was renamed as `Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme’ in 2003 and it was to focus on upgradation of sub-transmission and distribution in densely electrified segments of urban and industrial areas and bring improvement in commercial viability of the State Electricity Boards. To cover 12 districts of the State, 6 projects estimated to cost Rs.1100 crore were framed by the State Government and approved by Government of India during 2002-06. But it is unfortunate that the Department has failed to implement the guidelines laid down in the said programme so far. This is the reason that people of the Valley are face to face with frequent disruptions in power supply.
“ Despite the State of J&K being blessed with rich water resources, it is facing power crisis of the worst order. It could have taken its people to the heights of economic welfare, but wrong policies of the State Governments so far have caused a severe set back to the economy. The priorities of the governments so far have not been up to the mark and crores and crores of rupees have been pumped into such schemes, which are actually non-productive. Had money been pumped into power and industry sectors, the face of the State would have been quite different today. It is always planning process that matters most, but this has been ignored. It is also seen at the Central level Five-Year Plans launched so far have not been able to solve the unemployment problem. There has been a steady increase in the number of jobless youths, both skilled and unskilled, posing a grave threat to the structure of the State. It is better that the present Government concentrates on power generation which in due course of time shall help in expanding industrial base in the State,” said a group of elderly persons of Kashmir Valley.
Hence people seek CM’s intervention, demand probe into Baghliar Project and transfer of Salal and Uri Plants to J&K to defuse crisis. Concrete steps need to be taken to tap and harness the available hydel potential and alleged export of power not allowed, especially when the Valliets are reeling under dark and thick shadows of darkness. It will help the State to get more power and also unemployment problem can be addressed in a better manner and fashion. It is also imperative for the State Government to persuade the Central Government to transfer Salal and Uri Power Projects to the State to tide over power shortage, which has gripped people in a big way.
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