DCs SOS to govt:Need 800 new transformers for uninterrupted power

Srinagar, Dec 1: Concerned by the damage caused to electric transformers in winters, district development commissioners have requisitioned government for additional 800 transformers to create a buffer and ensure uninterrupted power supply to the people in the bone chilling cold.

Jammu and Kashmir tops the list of States and Union Territories having the highest rate of transformer damages annually.  Every year, over 7000 transformers suffer damages in Jammu and Kashmir.

Official data accessed by The Kashmir Monitor reveals that district development commissioner, Anantnag, has sought 91 transformers to overcome overloading. Similarly, authorities of Pulwama, Shopian, Ganderbal and Baramulla have sought 80, 80, 60 and 100 transformers respectively.

So far, the government has allotted 300 transformers from its kitty. Additionally, district development commissioners have also asked for more than 5000 electric poles for laying new HT and LT lines.

An official at the office of deputy commissioner, Baramulla, said more than 300 transformers suffer damages annually in the district. “Transformers suffer damages due to overloading during winters. We have sought 100 new transformers to overcome this problem,” he said. 

An official of Power Development Department in Shopian said they have recommended replacement of old transformers with new ones.

“Repairing a transformer at central workshop in Pampore takes at least a month. The workshop receives hundreds of damaged transformers every month. Given the paucity of staff and infrastructure, the workshop is not able to cater to huge demand,” the official said.

Chief Engineer, Power Development Department, Kashmir, Hashmat Qazi said transformers mostly suffer damages because of over loading. “People have to use electricity as per load agreement so that transformers don’t suffer damages,” he said.

For the last few years, Centre has been allotting additional electricity to Jammu and Kashmir to overcome power crisis during winter months.   “Additional allocation of power will end power crisis only when required infrastructure is in place. We need more transformers and grid stations to augment electricity supply,” said a PDD official.