Operations at several industrial estates in Jammu division are severely affected these days due to disruptions in power supply, allege unit holders.
SC Dutta, Former President, Birpur Industrial Association, says, “There is a grave power crisis in Birpur Industrial Area. How can we run our industries when we face frequent tripping, overloading, low voltage, and unscheduled power cuts? These are proving detrimental to our units, particularly, the plastic manufacturing units. Our production has reduced, resulting in lesser revenue.”
“The industrialists are paying their electricity bills on time, yet forced to suffer like this when COVID19 pandemic and intermittent lockdowns have already impacted them negatively,” he adds.
The unit holders are muddled up, as to whom they should approach with their grievances.
Dutta points out that two big transformers were installed some time back, with a claim that they’ll be dedicated to the industrial area. However, the electricity from these is being diverted to nearby villages, most probably to secure the vote banks of local politicians.
Further, he alleges that the concerned officials from the Power Development Department like Chief Engineer, Superintendent Engineer, Executive Engineer, and Assistant Executive Engineer have never visited this industrial area, to enquire the plight of the units situated here. Only a line man comes every month to distribute electricity bills.
“Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary to the J&K Government, is holding meetings and monitoring the power situation of Jammu division which has gone from bad to worst amidst sweltering heat. But we are still to be heard. We’ll contact Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor or hit the roads, if the same situation continues for another few days,” he tells.
Lalit Mahajan, President, Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, says, “The Phase 3 of Samba is facing some issue with power supply. But the government is working to resolve it by installing a receiving station. This is an appreciable step, and we hope for its timely execution by the concerned agency.”
Atul Sharma, MD SIDCO, SICOP, states, “Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Samba have proper power supply. A 160 MVA Power Grid Station, is expected to be commissioned by 15th August, 2021 to provide much relief to this estate. PDD had assigned the job for the same to Power Grid Corporation in 2018.”
Bari Brahmana Industrial Area is no different, shares Annil Suri, Former Chairman, Federation of Industries Jammu, Former President, Bari Brahmana Industries Association.
“Power outages, incessant tripping, poor supply daily has disturbed the industrial operations. We have requested Rohit Kansal to look into the matter and making necessary improvements, so as to allow us run smooth general shifts,” he says.
Dutta doubts how the new investors and industrialists will react to the ground reality of power scenario in Jammu region.
“If the government can’t provide the existing units with a reliable power infrastructure, on what basis are they inviting the new ones?” he asks.
On a similar note, Lalit mentions that though the government is developing land banks to establish new industries and estates, it needs to work upon the related infrastructure soon.
“It will be embarrassing for the government when the lack of power infrastructure will prevent time bound completion of the projected financials of new investors and cause them to suffer losses,” he says.
Also: Read my article at The News Now
Power cuts affect industrial operations in parts of Jammu Division
Published in The News Now on 7th July, 2021
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