Jammu, 1 September (H.S.): Power Development Department (PDD) today said that it is working round the clock in full coordination across all its wings to restore electricity in the Jammu region, which was badly affected due to the buckling of a tower of the 220 KV Barn-Kishenpur transmission line.

In an official statement, the Department said that this critical transmission line feeds major parts of Jammu, Rajouri, Reasi and Poonch districts, including areas such as Talab Tillo, Canal Road and Rehari. “Rectification of the damaged tower has been taken up on top priority, as any further collapse could have triggered a prolonged blackout across four districts,” the statement read.

The Department said that unprecedented rains from August 26 to 28 wreaked havoc on the electricity system. “Despite these challenges, engineers and ground staff have been working tirelessly, day and night, to restore supply in most areas of Jammu. However, the buckling of this vital transmission tower has complicated the restoration process,” it added.

According to PDD, the Jammu Kashmir Power Transmission Corporation Limited (JKPTCL), entrusted with restoring the line, has also roped in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite the rectification work.

“The heavy downpour caused massive damage to the power infrastructure. Numerous lines were snapped while high-tension and low-tension networks were severely hit by uprooted trees. Nevertheless, nearly 50 percent of the power network has already been restored, ensuring smooth supply in several areas,” the Department said.

It further maintained that the situation is being closely monitored and every possible effort is being made to achieve 100 percent restoration at the earliest. “Despite limited availability, JPDCL has ensured rotational supply to sustain essential services such as water supply and hospitals,” it said.

The Department also informed that with rectification of the buckled tower progressing on war footing, complete restoration of power in the Jammu region is expected by this evening, though intermittent delays are being caused by continuous rains and inclement weather.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar