Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated three electricity receiving stations in south Kashmir as part of a gigantic programme launched by the government to upgrade power distribution and supply system in the state.
"The chief minister inaugurated three power receiving stations at Dandipora and Marhama in Anantnag and Khallen in Pulwama districts of south Kashmir. These are a part of the gigantic programme launched in the state to upgrade power distribution and supply system," an official spokesman said.
While interacting with the people at these places, the spokesman said, the Chief Minister told them about the blue print of his comprehensive policy of revolutionising state's power generation and distribution scenario.
Abdullah said all efforts have been made to make Jammu and Kashmir self-sufficient in power production and strengthen the transmission system.
"We have focused power sector to achieve twin objectives of ensuring round the clock supply to consumers in the state and export the surplus generation to get remunerative income for economic welfare," the Chief Minister said, adding that financial independence of the state largely depends on power sector development.
He said as against 750 MWs power projects launched in the state from 1947 to 2008, his government started power projects of over 1,500 MW capacity in just five years and laid necessary edifice for generating 9,000 MW in next 6-7 years.
Over 20 major grid and receiving stations have been completed, besides construction of hundreds of sub-stations and installation of 18,000-km long transmission lines, the Chief Minister said.
He said the per capita consumption of electricity has gone up from 742 units in 2007-08 to 946 units in 2013-14 which showed an increase of 27 per cent.
Energy deficit has also declined from 37.71 per cent in 2007-08 to 29 per cent, he added.
"Energy supply has increased from 8,744 million units in 2007-08 to 12,714 million units in 2013-14 which accounts for 45 per cent increase in five years," he said.
Dandipora receiving station has been constructed at a cost of over Rs 1.94 crore, while Marhama receiving station involved Rs 2.07 crore and that of Khellan receiving station Rs 2.05 crore, the spokesman said.
