Checking transmission and distribution losses

Sir,

A hot exchange was witnessed in the Assembly as per the reports published in this paper (Jan 9) about the transmission and distribution losses taking place in the State.

In this regard we as ordinary citizens of the State would like to know that when the overall power situation in the State is so precarious why efforts have not been taken in the past to check the loss of power through transmission and distribution. Here it is clear that no Government can be absolved of its responsibility in this matter. However it has become a fashion or perhaps to register their presence that hue and cry is raised in the Assembly. It is a classic case of Govt bashing or sometimes even opposition bashing also takes place. But the responsibility lies on both the opposition as well as the Govt.

Transmission and Distribution losses are a big problem in the State. The power infrastructure is obsolete and it needs a total revamp. But for the last so many decades the Govt is doing precious little to do something in this regard. Out of the amount allocated for power sector hardly some significant sum is utilised for infrastructure development. A sizable amount of money is siphoned off in the corruption practices where crores are swindled.

The actual problem with the power sector is that there is lack of application and back of long terms planning. A hue and cry was raised that consumers derive illegal power and do not pay for it. Then PDD went in fell e-metering. The poor consumers did not oppose. They in the course of time fall in line. But even e-metering has not been completed by the department. PDD and politicians should show a sense of application. Moreover and more importantly if we in the State do not learn to live on our pay things will never turn good. Corruption and lack of sense of duty are two things which are our greatest enemies.

Yours etc...
Kuldeep Sambyal
Airport road
Jammu

Traffic cops

Sir,

A news report was published titled,'' only 1 Traffic cop for 800 vehicles in J&K (DE, Jan 5)''. This news report conveyed in no uncertain terms the State of Traffic department in the State.

Already the rate of traffic increase is more than it was in any previous year. While as the number of vehicles is coming nearer to the mind boggling figure of one million in the State the number of traffic cops have more or less remained stagnant on the other hand there has been a sharp rise in the number of policemen recruited in the State Police Department. The fallout of this neglect is the increase in the number of Traffic related accidents in the State in general and Jammu in particular. It is a dire necessity to recruit traffic cops so that the situation does not get out of control. It appears that the Govt is not according due importance to the development of Traffic Department for the reasons best known to them.

There is a sharp increase not only in the rate of road accidents but traffic violations of all sorts. The result is for every body to see on the roads. People who cause accidents or violate the traffic rules escape scot free because there is nobody to check them or book them on spot. These days the traffic management in the city is full of choas and confusion. Every now and then we see traffic jams, blaring horns with no traffic cop to manage or enforce some sense of discipline.

It is hence necessary that to install confidence in the minds of the law abiding citizens and road users we should have a substantial number of traffic cops. The Govt. should take immediate steps in this direction.

Yours etc...
Prithvi Chand
Parade,
Jammu

Improve sports

Sir,

It is hoped that the State Government will do its best to improve the standard of sports in the State. With a new Minister assuming charge of sports in the State we positively hope that improvements will take place in sports in the State.

At present the sports infrastructure is in shambles in the State in general and the valley in particular. The players are devoid of good coaching and future prospects. There are many young players waiting in the wings to adopt sports as a career but for the want of nonavailability of good infrastructure and for want of qualified coaching facilities in the State.

It is pertinent to mention that players go to stadia by foregoing the precious time of their studies and by spending a lot of money. But for these sports aspirants nobody seems to be serious or sincere in presenting them with facilities that are so basic to their career. We hope that the incumbent Minister will do some serious job in rejuvenating and renovating the sports infrastructure in the State. One of the main problems facing the sports scene in the State is the nonavailability of coaches in various sports. Due to this handicap the sport persons are not being groomed and trained well. Otherwise they brim with loads of talent it is only due to the lack of better training that they lag behind other States. We have to develop a sports mindset in the State and treat sports Ministry on par with such other ministries like Health, Home and Power etc. Then the day is not far when the talented sports persons will bring laurels for the State.

Yours etc...
Tanvir Ahmad
Srinagar