Leh: With the objective of improving the quality, reliability, and affordability of power supply to consumers through a financially sustainable and operationally efficient distribution sector, the UT Level Reforms Committee, chaired by Advisor UT Ladakh, Umang Narula approved the Annual Action Plan for Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the Financial Year, 2022-2023.
The Action Plan formulated for Ladakh amounts to Rs 1172 crores and includes various components such as distribution infrastructure works, project management; improving existing infrastructure, training capacity building, and other enabling & supporting activities.
In the meeting, it was apprised that the scheme will cover both urban and rural areas of Ladakh and the electricity infrastructure will be built to provide electricity in regions like Changthang, and the border areas of Ladakh under the said scheme. It was also added that the scheme shall include reducing the electricity losses by modernizing the existing power infrastructure, improving billing collections and the creation of downline power infrastructure in Zanskar and Nubra regions besides creating various new power substations.
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Further, it was informed that the RDSS aims to reduce the AT&C losses in Ladakh to pan-India levels of 12-15%; ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25, and help DISCOMs improve their operational efficiencies.
During the meeting, Advisor Narula emphasised putting in place a mechanism to ensure that the Government Departments pay for the electricity consumed promptly. He also asked the Power Development Department (PDD) to go for underground cabling in certain areas of the region. Further, Advisor Narula asked the PDD to come up with a permanent technical solution to avoid damage to power lines due to high-velocity winds.
The meeting was also attended by Administrative Secretary, Power Development Department, Ravinder Kumar; Chief Wildlife Warden, Sajad Mufti; Chief Engineer, PDD, Additional Secretary, Finance, D.C. Rajath;, Superintending Engineer PDD, Tsewang Paljor, OSD to Administrative Secretary, Dr. Thakchos, officials of Power Department, Ladakh, and officers from RECPDCL and LPDD.
