E-metering consumers

Sir,

E-metering is one of the highly important steps taken by the PDD authorities in the State. The installation of electronic meters is some areas of Jammu untouched so far is gaining momentum with each passing day. If the speed is speeded up then the entire city will be covered in very short time.

These e-meters are highly sensitive in their functioning. They have caused a fear psychosis among the consumers. All old filament bulbs are being replaced with new CFL energy saving bulbs. Even though CFL bulbs cost many times the older bulbs yet people whose houses have been e-metered are opting for these CFL bulbs. Even the innocuous looking indicators too are being disconnected for the fear that their continuous running will make a steep addition to the monthly power bill.

By and large consumers are getting reconciled to the e-metering adopted by the Power Development Authorities. Power situation in the areas where e-meters are installed has improved. Here meter readers should regularlty visit the consumers and take monthly readings in presence of the consumers, so that the latter are left with no doubt whatsoever about the veracity of the readings, for which they will pay the tariff ungrudgingly. Moreover it enhances the credibility of the Department. The Department should issue a consumer pass book to every consumer in which the monthly readings are recorded in presence of consumers. E-metering is one of the important steps taken by the Government to make a serious attempt to shore up finances of the Department. Side by side the authorities have to ensure that no illegal drawal of power is done by people by bypassing meters through separate lines. A mobile squad must work even in late hours of night to ensure that the black sheep are caught red handed and punished by imposing heavy fines on spot.

Yours etc...
Prof M L Raina
Janipur
Jammu

Erratic power supply

Sir,

The State is reeling under an intense power shortage. For the last thirty years the poor consumers are listening only to the grandiose plans of the Government that such a step will be under taken in future so that the power supply will get a boost. But as the years pass nothing concrete takes shape.

The power situation in the valley particularly during the four months from December to March are pretty bad. The present power situation is so erratic that people are fed up with the Power Department. The General public is at loss as to what has happened to the promises made to them from time to time. The Govts have made solemn promises that the power situation in the valley will improve especially in the winter month but nothing is seen on the ground. The city of Srinagar is being punished beyond a limit. Every day power cuts lasting for hours together are enforced with out giving any prior notice or information.

Public is hard pressed. In order to find some means of lighting their homes they are using all sorts of lighting aids like candles, Kerosine lights, gas cyclinders and inverters to help them see in the dark. But with Kerosine and gas cylinder already in a short supply the brunt falls on candles and invertor. Mostly people resort candles to see around. This has put additional strain on the pockets of the poor people. The Govt. should think in terms of a long term planning so that in the months of winter when power supply is at its lowest in the valley due to various reasons is augumented with some assured power supply. Secondly Power Department must stick to load shedding schedule as we are aware that power cuts will be there but unscheduled power cuts which are enforced in Srinagar city into a virtual ghost town. The hard pressed people of the valley hope that the authorities would draw a comprehensive plan to tide over the power situation.

Yours etc...
Ab Rashid Lone
Amira Kadal
Srinagar

Boosting Agriculture production

Sir,

Agriculture is the backbone of a country's economy. It has been seen that those countries which have a strong base in Agriculture production make available locally produced food for the people as well as export it to other countries. Food export has become one of the most interesting and lucrative activities of farmers in the globalised world. Now we see food products available on the shelves of the shops which have their origin in other countries. Even in cities like Jammu you can find apples from China, dates from Iraq and Basmati of Pakistan.

In this context the opening of a Krishi Vigyan Kendra by the Governor (DE, Jan 14) in Bandipora can prove to be a stepping stone in heralding second green revolution in the State. Our State has unique diversity and agroclimatic zones. These zones are suited to different crops and horticulture products which if properly and scientifically utilised can help the farmers of the State in a big way. With horticulture a traditional strong point in the valley efforts must be made to exploit the vast areas of Kandi belt in Jammu. Cropping pattern has to be devised for this area whether it is agriculture crops, horticulture or medicinal plants so that thousands of acres of Kandi belt are brought under proper cultivation. Similarly there should be long term approach on the development of horticulture and floriculture in the State. Agriculture has developed into a broadbased industry where it can power and support a huge sweep of ancillary industries. The only thing we need is to adopt honest and dedicated methodology and planning in this field.

Yours etc...
R K Verma
Miran Sahib
Jammu