250 mw to be procured from PTC, Punjab by J

Srinagar, Oct 24 (UNI) To tide over the power crisis in the state, particularly in the valley during the ensuing winter, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to purchase 150 mw power from Power Trading Corporation (PTC) besides 100 Mw from Punjab.

This was stated at a high level meeting of Power Development Department (PDD) held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

The meeting was convened to review power supply for Kashmir valley during ensuing winter when water level in rivers declines considerably resulting in decrease in electricity generation.

Reviewing the status of installation work of transmission lines from Jammu to Srinagar and in Poonch district, the Chief Minister underscored the need for early completion of Transmission Lines saying that finance should be no constraint in its completion.

He fixed middle of next year target date for completing the installation work of transmission line in all respects.

Mr Azad said those of the contractors who do not adhere to the fixed terms and conditions and are responsible for delay in completion of projects should be penalised and if required black listed. He also presided over a meeting of Board of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation.

While reviewing progress on various on going power projects Mr Azad emphasized for raising indigenous power generation by early completion of all projects under various stages of execution at present.

Saying that availability of power being lifeline for industrial development and economic growth, he added that thrust should be on giving considerable fillip to local generation.

He said that bottlenecks if any in the completion of on going projects should be removed on priority.

Taking note of cost escalation in the construction of various power generating projects, the Chief Minster stressed for completion of on going projects within time bound period to avoid cost hike.

UNI BAS QAB SRS RN1307