Srinagar: The rampant use of crude electricity devices, such as illegal hookups and tampering with power lines, is causing significant losses of electricity and leading to frequent interruptions in power supply in Kashmir.
Last week Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, chaired a meeting in Srinagar and enjoined upon Deputy Commissioners to sensitise people about disadvantages of usage of crude electronic appliances. “Appropriate action should be taken against misuse of electricity, hooking and power theft,” he directed.
Kashmir, like many parts of the country, faces issues of power distribution and theft. Crude electricity devices, including illegal connections and unauthorized tampering with power lines, have become a common sight in various areas, siphoning off electricity that should be available to the general public. These illicit practices are not only illegal but also pose a severe threat to the power infrastructure, leading to loss of power and frequent disruptions in the regular supply.
An official while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Consequences of such electricity theft and tampering are two-fold. Firstly, it results in significant financial losses for the power distribution companies, as they are unable to bill for the electricity consumed through these unauthorized connections. This impacts their ability to invest in infrastructure upgrades and provide better services to the public. Secondly, it leads to overloading of the power distribution network, causing technical issues and power outages, which can be particularly disruptive, affecting daily life, businesses, and essential services.”
“To address this pressing issue, the local administration is launching a public awareness campaign to educate the residents about the repercussions of using crude electricity devices. The authorities are urging the public to report any instances of illegal connections or power line tampering to the local power distribution company or the nearest police station. Cooperation from the community is seen as a vital step in resolving the issue.”
Another official said, “The rampant usage of crude electricity devices is not only affecting the power supply but also jeopardizing the safety of the entire community. We urge everyone to cooperate with the administration and report any illegal activities related to electricity usage.”
In addition to the awareness campaign, the administration, according to the officials, is stepping up enforcement measures to curb the use of crude electricity devices. Frequent inspections and crackdowns are being conducted to identify and penalize those responsible for electricity theft and tampering. These efforts are aimed at deterring potential violators and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of electricity to law-abiding citizens.
Pertinently, the issue of electricity theft and tampering is not unique to Kashmir but a nationwide challenge that needs to be tackled collectively. It is essential for the public to understand the far-reaching consequences of such practices and the impact they have on their daily lives. Through increased awareness and cooperation with the administration, it is hoped that the region can overcome this issue and ensure regular and reliable power supply, improving the quality of life for all residents.
