PDD detects 500 illegal power connections

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 2

Highlighting the extent of illegal power connections in Jammu, the Power Development Department (PDD) has detected more than 500 “power thieves” during its week-long inspection drive.

The drive was launched after being reprimanded by the government for its failure to curb power theft, main reason for transmission and distribution (T&D) loss in the state. The drive has been launched by all PDD division in the winter capital of the state with an aim to streamline power connections.

During the drive, 200 illegal connections were disconnected in Udheywala, Puran Nagar and Talab Tillo. Similarly, 200 connections were disconnected in Janipur, Subash Nagar, Roop Nagar, Paloura and Bantalab. Similar raid was conducted in Channi Himmat, Gandhi nagar and Simbal camp.

“Field officers have been directed to tighten noose around those who are indulging in power theft and causing loss to the exchequer. No one will be spared who is indulged in using illegal means to withdraw power,” Sanjeev Rohmetra, Assistant Executive Engineer, Gandhi Nagar, said.

Officials said most of the people were found drawing excess of electricity than the sanctioned load and had tempered with the electronic meters. The J&K State Electricity Regularity Act, Section 95 (1) of the Electricity Act says that whoever dishonestly hooks main power lines or tampers with meter is liable to face up to one month in jail.

“Losses due to domestic connections are the biggest challenge for the government, but in the absence of proper training and police protection, the enforcement wing of the department has not achieved its targets in the recent years,” said an official of the Power Development Department.

Notwithstanding decade long power reforms programme initiated by the state government, 50 per cent consumers are still drawing electricity without electronic meters in the state.

Of the 15 lakh connection holders, only 8 lakh have meters installed to check power use. This despite the fact that the Union Power Ministry and the Planning Commission of India (PCI) has been asking the state to curb transmission and distribution (T&D) losses.