50% Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) project work over in Jammu

Work in Srinagar stalled due to ‘non-cooperation’ at official level

The ambitious Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) project, aimed to curb electricity theft and illegal connections, is being implemented selectively, with the focus being laid mainly on Jammu.
50 pc Aerial Bunched Cables (ABC) project work over in JammuThe work in Srinagar is moving at snail’s pace due to alleged non-cooperation of legislators and residents.
Under the Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP), Rs 1,700 crore had been released by the Central government about two year ago to strengthen the sub-transmission distribution system in 30 towns of the state with population of 10,000 and above.
While most parts of the Jammu have been covered under the project, the programme is facing hurdles in Kashmir, raising a question mark over the sincerity of the ruling dispensation to take strong measures against electricity theft, a major reason for rising revenue losses.
Sources said the alleged biased approach adopted by the authorities concerned had led to failure of the reform process initiated by the state in 2005.
Special power cables with plastic covering are being laid by private companies in J&K to lower transmission and distribution losses, the highest in the country.
Under the bunched cable technology, existing wires are being replaced with heavy-duty plastic-covered wires to discourage consumers from power theft.
“We have completed 50 per cent of works in Jammu city. But in Srinagar, not a single area has been covered. There is non-cooperation at official level despite the fact that power theft remains a bigger concern in Srinagar, especially in the downtown areas,” said an official from the Power Development Department (PDD).
The government is even planning to install e-meters in Jammu while in Srinagar the PDD was always takes excuse of turmoil to delay the implementation of the project.
As per the multi-year tariff petition, submitted before the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, 100 per cent metering of consumers under various categories was to be achieved by the 2016-end. However, the misplaced policies will never allow its completion, said an official.
Chief Engineer (Planning and Maintenance) Somraj Sharma, however, is confident that the R-APDRP project will be completed in time in both the capital cities. “I can only say that the project is being implemented properly and it will end the problems of consumers,” Sharma said.
As per official data, there are 8,38,258 metered consumers in Jammu and Kashmir while the total number of consumers stands at 21,259,94.
In Kashmir division there are 12,83,598 consumers followed by Jammu division with 8,01,257 consumers. In Ladakh, there 41,139 registered consumers.
But when it comes to metered connections, Jammu division tops the state with 4,51,413 consumers followed by Kashmir (3,63,314) and Leh (23,531).

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