Valley reeling in darkness
Mehboob Jeelani
Srinagar, Jan 31: Power Development Department has failed to improve power scenario in Kashmir despite getting additional assistance under New Delhi’s APDRP scheme at 9:1 ratio.
Sources in PDD said the scheme worth Rs 51,577 crore was introduced across India in March 2003 with the motive of uplifting commercial capability in the sector and increase the consumer confidence.
“Jammu Kashmir, for being a special State was provided with additional assistance from New Delhi in the ratio of 9:1. Five years have passed but there has not been any improvement in Kashmir’s power sector,” sources said.
They said few years ago State government received an amount of over Rs 314 crore for improvement, modernization and upgradation of power system in the state under APDRP scheme and the total project cost approved was of Rs 1,100 crore.
“The receiving stations were constructed in Singhpora and Dever areas of Pattan and in Nowpora Sopore. The people of Pattan and Sopore recently protested against the department. If the motive of this scheme is to build consumers confidence, why isn’t the overall power scenario improving here,” they said.
A top PDD official wishing anonymity said most states in India get 50 per cent grant and 50 per cent loan under this scheme and have almost succeeded to overcome the power crisis.
“The states which do not possess special category arrange funds from respective electricity boards and other financial institutions. Here we get 90 per cent of grant and still we are not improving,” he said.
The official said that in March 2009 the APDRP Phase-II is likely to get introduced across India which would have a budget of Rs 50,000 crore.
“Metering was done in first phase and the new sub-stations were built while the old ones augmented. More than 90 per cent work was done under this plan but the harsh reality is that the department still goes for power curtailment,” he added.
However PDD Chief Engineer Aftab Ahmed said: “This scheme was implemented in March 2004 in Kashmir. Since then we have achieved many milestones. We have built 50 receiving stations and augmented several others. With this scheme the system infrastructure has been strengthened.”
Aftab said he was optimistic about the second phase of APDRP scheme, which according to him, would be entirely pro-consumer.
“The second phase will prove out to be beneficial for the people as it will involve upgradation and construction of new Low Tension lines. People will definitely feel the difference after the completion of the second phase of APDRP scheme,” he added.