KNZ NEWS DESK
Srinagar: As north Kashmir is grappling with electricity crisis this winter with even metered areas subjected to hours’ long unscheduled power cuts, there will be no major improvement in prevailing crisis even after a much-awaited satellite power project is commissioned in Baramulla later next month, a senior power official said on Thursday.
Unless an additional grid having a capacity of 160 MVA (Mega Volt Ampere) is set up, the department will not be able to increase transmission supply to the region, he said.
Apparently much to the dismay of consumers, the additional grid to be set up at Delina in Baramulla may take months to get functional, officials said.
“At present north, Kashmir receives 160 MVA power from the Delina power grid. There is a need to set up an additional grid of same capacity to improve the power transmission supply to the areas,” Javid Yusuf Dar, Superintendent Engineer Systems, north Kashmir, told Kashmir Wire.
“A detailed project report about setting up of the additional grid has already been submitted to higher authorities and the grid is expected to be in place in some months. Power scenario in north Kashmir may improve to some extent only after the additional grid is put to function,” he added.
The satellite power project currently under construction has a capacity of 630 MVA. According to the official, the department can not supply power beyond existing 160 MVA capacity even after satellite power project is commissioned.
The grim power scenario elsewhere in Kashmir may improve after two power grids in Alstang and Budgam having a capacity of 320 MVA each is commissioned.
“Currently the department is facing a shortage of funds but we expect both the grids sanctioned during the Congress regime at Centre years before may be finally functional by October next year. The power scenario may improve in many areas after these grids are commissioned,” Dar said.
The twin power grids are expected to increase transmission capacity in Kashmir from present 1250 MW to 1650 MW.
Power woes in north Kashmir are worsening due to a high rate of transformers’ getting damaged in the ongoing winter season.
At least 43 faulty transformers’ have been received in December- highest during past five years in a month- for repairs, at two workshops in Kupwara district alone, according to officials.
“Apparently the damage rate is high this season due to rampant use of heating gadgets. We have already repaired 29 transformers during past two weeks and 14 are still pending for repairs,” Sushil Raina, Junior Engineer and in-charge workshop told Kashmir Wire. (Kashmir Wire)
