*Launches Land Bank layer on PMGS portal
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 25: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today undertook an in-depth review of the reforms being implemented by the Power Development Department (PDD) across Jammu and Kashmir with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening infrastructure and substantially reducing power losses under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
The review meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, PDD; Managing Director, JPDCL/KPDCL; Chief Engineers of the Corporations; representatives of NTPC and PESL, besides other senior officers.
Emphasising the need for strict adherence to timelines, the Chief Secretary directed that all ongoing reform works aimed at loss reduction must be completed within the sunset period prescribed under RDSS by the Government of India.
He stressed on fixing daily and weekly targets for all components of loss reduction works, including LT cable replacement, augmentation and replacement of the distribution system, HT line cabling, replacement of HT conductors, feeder segregation and installation of electric poles.
He further underlined the importance of improving feeder-wise billing and revenue collection efficiency and called for stringent action against officials found negligent or lax in discharging their responsibilities. The Chief Secretary instructed the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to conduct monthly reviews and identify field-level staff failing to perform responsibly.
To prevent delays during the harsh winter season, especially in snow-bound and remote areas, the Chief Secretary underscored the need for advance dumping of essential material in difficult terrains to ensure uninterrupted execution of works despite road closures.
He also directed senior officers and Deputy Commissioners to maintain continuous oversight for timely resolution of bottlenecks and to keep the pace of implementation up to the mark.
The ACS PDD, Shailendra Kumar urged all Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) to submit comprehensive action plans for accelerating progress on the ground.
MD JPDCL, Gurpal Singh, in his detailed presentation, outlined the progress of loss reduction, modernisation and smart metering initiatives under Phase-I of RDSS. He informed that works worth Rs 4,709 Cr under loss reduction and Rs 1,053 Cr under smart metering are targeted for completion in this phase across J&K.
He explained that works have been divided into multiple packages and awarded to four PIAs including JPDCL, KPDCL, PESL and NTPC for their completion within stipulated deadlines.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary launched the Land Bank layer on the PM Gati Shakti (PMGS) portal in presence of Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF); Secretary, Information Technology and other Heads of Departments of the Forest Department.
This pioneering initiative marks the first such exercise in the UT, wherein land parcels exclusively defined as ‘State Land’ were jointly surveyed by the Forest and Revenue Departments. Only those parcels verified to be free from all encumbrances have been mapped and integrated into the PM Gati Shakti portal, ensuring accuracy and reliability in land identification for developmental purposes.
Terming the initiative as a highly useful and forward-looking exercise, the Chief Secretary said that the availability of clearly identified and geo-tagged land on a single digital platform would significantly smoothen and expedite the development process across the districts. He urged the Deputy Commissioners to take proactive measures to safeguard these identified patches from any encroachment and misuse.
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