MUZAFFARABAD:The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Electricity Department has scaled down line losses by 3.5pc by taking ‘extraordinary measures’ for improvement of distribution infrastructure.

This was claimed by officials of the department at a meeting held here on Friday to review the performance of the department.

The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider.

Most remote rural areas have been brought under electricity supply network, meeting informed

The meeting was told that not only new transmission lines were built in different parts of the state but the existing lines were also upgraded for the first time, apart from installation of as many as 2,178 new transformers and 22 feeders.

It was also informed that new grid stations for Samahni, Sehnsa, Forward Kahuta, Chattar Klass and Athmuqam in Bhimber, Kotli, Haveli, Muzaffarabad and Neelum districts, respectively, had also been approved, construction of which would begin soon.

Funds for construction of grid stations in Chattar Klass and Athmuqam are being provided by Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project company, officials said.

The meeting further learnt that most of the remote rural areas had been brought under electricity supply network with extension of electricity coverage from 90 to 95pc of population over the past three years.

The remaining 5pc population would be covered during the next two years, officials said.

They told the premier that the feasibility study to decide whether or not the electricity department has to be converted into an electric supply company like that of Pakistan was also under process.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said that since the electricity department was a major source of income generation in AJK, it must be reorganised and operated on modern lines.

On its part, the government would fully facilitate the department to reduce line and other losses and increase revenues, he said.

Calling for use of scientific measures to unearth and arrest the unethical and unlawful practice of power thefts, the prime minister directed that the power thieves should be awarded strict punishment in accordance with the recently enacted law without any fear or favour to set an example for all and sundry.

He also directed the department to address the issue of low voltage in some areas on a priority basis.

The meeting was attended among others by minister for electricity Raja Nisar Ahmed Khan, chief secretary Mathar Niaz Rana, principal secretary to the prime minister Raja Amjid Pervaiz Ali Khan and secretary electricity Zafar Mahmood.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2019