Srinagar, Nov 28 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to rope in religious clerics, scholars and civil society to ensure the judicious use of electricity.
In view of the increasing complaints about power thefts and illegal connections, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is taking this measure to enhance the power situation within the valley.
Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, H Rajesh Prasad told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they will rope in representatives from various sections of the society to disseminate the message of judicious use of electricity within the public.
“We will take support of all those persons who have a social concern and reputation among the public. We will use religious clerics, scholars and civil society to propagate the judicious use of electricity,” he told KNO.
Pertinently, the KPDCL has intensified its drive across the valley to check illegal hooking and unauthorised power usage.
Recently during a drive, a staggering Rs 80 lakh in pending arrears was realised from consumers.
The KPDCL during its 566 inspection drives in all 19 electric divisions realised Rs 7.84 lakh as penalties for illicit hooking of wires on bare conductors and meter bypassing.
An official of the KPDCL said the incidents of hooking in metered areas on bare conductors have witnessed a steep rise over the last month.
“Consumption of energy by consumers in unmetered areas over and above their agreed load has also sharply grown, putting a huge strain on the power curtailment schedule. In unmetered areas, the usage of power by consumers is three to four times their registered load, leading to frequent DT damages,” he said.
The official said they are now exploring options to ensure that rampant power pilferage is stopped.
“We are hopeful that a strong message goes to people through these religious clerics and civil society. If power is judiciously used, the problem of frequent power cuts will be solved,” he added.
The KPDCL has also resorted to name and shame individuals involved in illegal electricity consumption.
In a tweet recently, KPDCL announced, “Consumers hooking, bypassing meters and exceeding agreed load will be named! Night inspections by KPDCL teams, breaching the 1000 mark daily.”—(KNO)
