Our State has miserable power deficit despite the fact that we have large water resources which could have been turned into power generating projects. We have a number of big hydroelectric power generating unit which are supplying power at present. But there is a big gap between production and consumption of power. That is the reason why we have recurring shut downs and power tripping complaints. This notwithstanding, we are disappointed to know that the PDD has almost abandoned some smaller power generating units in different parts of the State for a minor fault or requirement which could have been overcome if the authorities were only mindful. Take the case of 9mw Sewa project in Basohli tehsil of Kathua district and Ganderbal II project in Ganderbal district.
In regard to Sewa project, three years ago, a flood in Ravi caused damage to a portion of water conductor which suspended power generation. Three years have gone by and the PDD is unable to get the damage repaired. When PDD authorities are contacted, they have only excuses to make and are unable to convince the public why the repair cannot be done. It is height of irresponsibility and apathy towards the needs of the people. The case of Ganderbal II is no less pitiable. The patent answer of the authorities is that tenders have been invited, preliminaries are looked at or that the process is under way or in the pipeline. These are the vague explanations given and none of these is convincing. The reality is that there is apathy and lack of sense of responsibility on the part of the authorities. We are often told that the Government is paying attention to small hydro power station development schemes that would serve local purpose and we would not be too much dependent on big power projects. But if the repairing of a water conductor of a small 9 mw hydro power unit takes three years and still actual repairs are nowhere in sight, it would mean that our State will never become self-sufficient in power generation. That is a sad commentary on the performance of the PDD. The Government shall have to give serious thought to it.
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