Warns action against officials responsible for deviation, Tehsildars, SHOs to monitor schedule
Srinagar, Dec 18 : Amid ongoing power crisis in Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) government has directed the Power Development Department (PDD) to adhere to power supply schedule in letter and spirit.
According to the wire service—sending a strong message to the PDD, the government has warned action against officers for deviation from the power schedule.
“The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir took serious note of the unscheduled power cuts as informed by the Deputy Commissioners as well as feedback received from general public. Chief Engineer PDD was directed to adhere to the power cut schedule issued by the department in letter and spirit,” reads minutes of the meeting held by divisional administration on December 9 to review winter preparedness in the region.
“Any deviation on this account shall be dealt with seriously and concerned officer (will be) liable for adverse action under rules,” the meeting note, available with the news agency, reveals.
Since onset of this winter, Kashmir Valley is facing frequent unscheduled power cuts, causing immense hardships to six million souls residing in the region.
The ongoing power crisis has triggered widespread anger and resentment among the people against the administration of Union Territory.
During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan also directed DCs to monitor the schedule through Tehsildars and SHOs.
“All Deputy Commissioners were directed to monitor power cut schedule in their respective districts through Tehsildars and SHOs and furnish weekly report to this office,” reads the record note.
The PDD has also been asked that public should be informed about any unforeseen failure so that they will remain aware of the facts. During the meeting, Chief Engineer PDD was also directed to provide additional transformers and electric poles to districts of Kashmir region.
“All the Deputy Commissioners informed that they have been provided additional transformers / poles but in less number and requested for additional transformers/ poles and conductors as per their requisition. The chair directed Chief Engineer PDD to take up the matter with concerned authorities for providing all these items,” reveals the record note. (KNO)