Eyeing 20% cut in losses, LG Okays Power Corporation Ltd for Ladakh

Discusses Roads, tunnel, other infra works with MoRTH, Himank
LEH: In a significant development, Lieutenant Governor Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) has approved the formation of Ladakh Power Corporation Limited, as the union territory administration eyes to cut the loss of power in the region by 20%.

Giving nod to the proposal, Mishra called for ensuring the power supply to every dwelling in Ladakh, at reasonable rates, while maintaining that there should be no electricity pilferage.

The crucial decision came at a meeting chaired by Mishra at LG Secretariat to discuss the establishment of Ladakh Power Corporation Limited (LPCL).

Apprising the LG of the objective of the creation of Power Corporation Limited for Ladakh, the Secretary of Power Development Department, Ladakh Ravinder Kumar informed that it is necessary to create a Power Corporation in every State and UT to monitor the generation, distribution and transmission of the power supply as per the Electricity Act.

He also informed the LG that the draft was put in the public domain for suggestions and feedback and both LAHDCs have also given their feedback.

He also informed the LG that J&K Power Department will transfer assets to Ladakh as per the orders issued after the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of J&K once the power corporation is established in Ladakh.

Ravinder also emphasised the importance of 20% reduction in the loss of power in Ladakh. He informed that the corporation would become profitable and self-sufficient after a period of nine years after its creation.

The LG discussed various topics, viz. financial implications, financial projections, human resources, administrative structure and other aspects related to the creation of Ladakh Power Corporation Limited.

Giving go ahead to the formation of Ladakh Power Corporation Limited, the LG instructed that the power supply must reach every dwelling in Ladakh, the electricity rates must be reasonable, there should be no electricity pilferage, the corporation should not run in loss, there should be an alternate routing in case of a grid failure, etc. He also instructed that the electricity pylons should be constructed on state lands and not on private lands. He also discussed the creation of new jobs and the future of employees, including daily wagers of PDD Ladakh.

Advisor to LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; Secretary to LG, Ravinder Kumar, IAS; Chief Engineer, Power Development Department, Ladakh, Tsewang Paljor; officials from Power Development Department, Ladakh and representatives of Rural Electrification Corporation Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) were present in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Mishra discussed progress on roads, tunnel and other infrastructure development works in Ladakh in a separate meeting.

A delegation comprising Chief Engineer, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Rahul Gupta and Chief Engineer, Project Himank, Brigadier Gaurav S Karki, called on the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), at LG Secretariat, said an official spokesperson on Friday.
Chief Engineer, MoRTH, Rahul apprised the LG of the road development works under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for Ladakh, including ten projects which are almost 90 per cent complete and could be completed at the earliest if hard-pressed.

He also complained about the progress of the sanctioned project works in Ladakh and requested intervention in expediting these project works.

Rahul also sought the LG’s intervention in declaring the Key La Pass as a national highway so that necessary grants and funds can be processed for the construction of the Key La tunnel as the road is strategically important.

Chief Engineer, Project Himank, Brigadier Karki apprised the LG about the public consultation meeting held with stakeholders regarding the alignment of the Phyang-Kharu bypass road. He also apprised the LG about the expansion of the Choglamsar Road from two-lane to four-lane and also requested for administrative approval (AA) for the Khalsar-Agham-Shayok Road.

He further requested to issue an order regarding the engagement of migrant or local labourers for various project works carried out by the Border Roads Organisation.

At the outset, the LG instructed to stop all blacktopping work in Ladakh due to its ineffectiveness under severe cold weather conditions.

He also instructed Secretary, PWD, to discuss all ten pending works under CRIF so that the remaining 10% work could be completed at the earliest.

He further instructed Deputy Commissioner, Leh to share the minutes of the meeting of consultation with stakeholders regarding the alignment of the Phyang-Kharu Road.

Instructing that Key-La Pass may be declared as a national highway at the earliest, the LG stated that he would take up the matter of funds for the Key La road and tunnel with the Home Ministry.

He instructed Chief Engineer, Project Himank to put the work on the Khalsar-Agham-Shayok Road on fast-track mode. The LG also instructed BRO to engage local persons from Durbuk to operate the Cafeteria constructed on the sidelines of the Tangste-Lukung Road in PPP mode.

The LG commended MoRTH for their infrastructure development works in Ladakh and asked them to continue the good work in the same manner.

Advisor to LG, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; Secretary to LG, Ravinder Kumar, IAS; Secretary, PWD, Michael D’Souza and other concerned officials from MoRTH, PWD and BRO were present in the meeting.