Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to launch a massive crackdown against power thieves in the valley.
Three government departments have decided to collaborate to check power pilferage by the consumers in order to improve the electricity situation in the valley.
Currently, the power demand in the valley has increased to 2200MW. The main reason for huge demand is power pilferage and injudicious use of electricity by the consumers.
Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is currently supplying 1500 MW of electricity to consumers. The department said the demand may grow up to 2500MW during the peak winter season if power thefts are not checked.
As per a document, a joint inspection would be carried out by the revenue, PDD, and police departments against the power thefts and sale and use of banned crude heating equipment.
“Joint inspection teams of revenue, PDD, and police shall be constituted. They shall conduct market checking and confiscate the banned items,” it said.
An official said while the revenue and police department shall conduct surprise visits to the markets, the PDD task force teams in various districts shall visit door-to-door to check the use of crude heating equipment.
“These teams will be formed after directions by the divisional commissioner Kashmir who recently reviewed power situation in the valley. He directed that these teams should be immediately constituted so that the power demand falls in coming months when the temperature will be sub-zero,” he said.
Chief Engineer KPDCL Aijaz Ahmad Dar said they have already constituted task forces to act tough against power thieves. “There will be strict action against power theft and action under relevant laws along with fine will be imposed,” he said.
Pertinently, the administration has banned the sale and use of crude heating equipment such as microme coils.
As per a document, the divisional commissioner has ordered the deputy commissioners to issue a formal order to ban on use and sale of crude heating equipment. “Wide publicity shall be given to the general public in this regard,” it said.
Chief engineer KPDCL said the consumers will have to use electricity judiciously during the winters to ensure uninterrupted supply during peak hours.
“The power demand is likely to go up to 2500 MW in coming days. So people should use the electricity judiciously to avoid breakdowns or halts in its supply,” Dar said.
