New power projects to boost energy production in J&K: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, May 28: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said scores of newly started power projects are set to catapult energy scenario in the state and help achieve the goal of self-reliance in electricity needs in near future.

"The special drive launched by the government to ensure substantial increase in power generation in the state by approving mega, small and micro hydel projects in the state sector, IPP and PPP mode will yield fruit in next few years," he said after inaugurating Power Development Department's 24x7 Customer Care Centre here.

He said the enhanced power generation in the state will benefit not only the domestic and industrial consumers but transform Jammu and Kashmir from power deficit area to energy surplus state.

The Chief Minister said the initiatives taken to upgrade power supply and service delivery will widen the base of customer care of the Power Development Department.

The completion of the Centre is a landmark achievement of the programme under implementation in the state under Re-structured Accelerated Power Development Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) to tone up the power supply system in two cities and 28 towns of the state, he added.

Besides Jammu and Srinagar cities, 11 towns in Jammu and 19 towns in Kashmir have been identified as project areas under R-APDRP.

The programme will facilitate 2,56,679 consumers in Kashmir Division and 2,37,002 in Jammu Division. Any consumer can ascertain details of his bills and payments and also obtain duplicate bills.

The customer care centre will also provide information about the cause of shut down, repairs to transformers, registration of new connections and all details about the supply and distribution of power in a particular area.

The Chief Minister directed the Power Development Department to involve Khidmat Centres in the programme so that people other than Internet users take best advantage of the Customer Care Centre. He said Khidmat Centre Operators should be trained and briefed about this programme so that they render required help to the people.

PTI