PDD launch massive drive against power theft in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 11 (UNI) The Power Development Department (PDD) has launched a massive drive against the power theft in the Kashmir valley where power curtailment for 12 to 15 hours daily was affected normal life.

Meanwhile, the local power generation has come down drastically as the water level in major rivers and their tributaries has come down because of dry weather.

The PDD has started billing demand charges from the consumers at the rate of Rs 70 per KV per month from October instead of minimum charges besides 10 per cent tax on cost of emergency and electricity duty.

Official sources said the PDD flying squad raided a number of areas in the uptown city during the past three days and unearthed power theft.

About 20 people were fined and money was recovered from them.

People at several places in the valley, particularly in the far flung and remote areas protested against the PDD, alleging that only power was being supplied to them for only two-three hours in a day.

However, others alleged that power remained off for days.

The situation in the city was no different as power remained off for 12 to 15 hours daily in the unmetered areas.

People of the metered areas also alleged that frequent and unannounced power failure has affected their daily routine life.

Because of increase in the demand during winter months when the temperature and water level goes down, resulting in low power generation locally, the PDD has decided to import electricity from other states, including Chhattisgrah.

UNI BAS KK KN1528