DISCOMs to focus on 100% smart metering, 24×7 electricity in all districts

JAMMU: The Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, approved the action plans of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for 2021-22 to 2024-25.

Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisors to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K, and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The approved action plans aim at achieving 100% prepaid consumer metering and 100% system metering (DTR), and include distribution infrastructure work for loss reduction and modernization, and training/ capacity building of the workforce.

The Power Development Department is working towards improving the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to consumers; reducing AT&C losses; and improving operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of DISCOMs.

The action plans of DISCOMs focus on reduction of ACS-ARR gap and AT&C losses through 100% smart prepaid metering including System metering with communication features, AB Cabling/ HVDS in high loss areas among other components as per scheme guidelines. This will provide quality and reliable power to consumers and assist in the progress towards a 24×7 power supply in all districts.

The action plans also include policy and structural reforms, increasing recruitment of manpower, creating a separate cadre of IT employees, developing a training Policy of employees with targeted annual training on modern lines.

The DISCOMs were directed to reduce the AT&C losses to Pan India levels of 15% and ACS-ARR gap to zero by 2024-25, while the state-wise targets for each year will depend on their current levels of AT&C losses and ACS-ARR gap.

Stresses on standardization, uniformity in project execution

JAMMU: The Administrative Council (AC), which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, took note of the Public Works Department’s J&K Macdamizaton (Execution and Quality Control and DLP Enforcement) Manual and J&K PWD Bridge Manual 2022.

Farooq Khan and Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisors to the Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, J&K, and Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor attended the meeting.

The Department has compiled these manuals by incorporating the best practices in the field in accordance with the latest standards and endeavours to bring about uniformity in practices, promote transparency and ensure engineering perfection. To improve the quality of riding surface of J&K’s road network, the J&K Macdamizaton Manual categorizes the road length in the Union territory as Inter-District Roads, Major Roads, District Roads, Rural Roads, Local roads, etc.

The Macdamizaton Manual further establishes a Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) protocol to be strictly adhered to during macadamization works. In case of any breach in quality, the contractor will also be made equally responsible for technical divergences due to negligence or execution of poor-quality works. All Divisions will be mandated to review the performance of every macadamization work post-winter/monsoon season, so as to assess pavement distress and map the same for subsequent prerogatives under the Defect Liability Period (DLP).

The Administrative Council also noted the J&K PWD Bridge Manual 2022 which standardizes the engineering practices in bridge construction to bring uniformity, transparency, and accountability in project execution. Accordingly, the Department will be required to uniformly undertake Project Preparation, Feasibility Study, Preliminary Project Preparation, Detailed Project Preparation, Formwork and Staging, Quality Systems for Road Bridges, Project Scheduling and Monitoring of Works, Bridge Inspection and Maintenance, Bridge Numbering in light of IRC 7:2017, Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges; for proper maintenance the catalogued bridges in the Union territory.

It was also informed that PWD is also following the Standard Operating Procedure for optimal maintenance of roads during snow clearance activities. The SoP lays down the short-term measures to be taken by the PWD in snow clearance operations which include snow clearance with conventional attachments to be provided to all R&B Divisions, Town Area Committees, and Srinagar Municipal Corporation.

For long-term intervention, the SoP requires the Disaster Management Department to procure technically approved machinery as is being used in several developed countries for scientific clearance of snow causing minimal damage to the road surface.

The snow clearance protocol recommends commencement of clearance operations only after 100mm of snowfall by 50mm vehicle blades to avoid damage to the road surface, besides sprinkling of salt over frosted surfaces to improve surface friction.

However, if the road damage after a snowfall is attributed to poor macadamization work rather than snow clearance operation, the contract DLP Clause will be enforced, and contracting agencies will be made responsible to rectify reported damages due to their negligence.

The SoP further allows for the empanelment of private players with appropriate machines for snow clearance operations through incentives like a long-term contract for 10-15 years. The rates for the snow clearance items will be based on an analysis of rates as per MoRTH/ BRO. Besides, the contracting agencies/ unemployed youth will also be incentivized under credit-linked schemes of the Industries & Commerce Department, Labour and Employment Department, and Tourism Department for procurement of suitable machinery under the technical supervision of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

The Administrative Council directed the Department to regularly update the manuals and guidelines and ensure optimal quality and cost efficiency consistent with the mandatory provisions of GFR and e-tendering.

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 1429 new coronavirus cases, lowest in 24 days, while three persons succumbed to the virus during the last 24 hours, officials said on Friday.

They said 607 of the fresh cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 822 from

Kashmir valley, taking the overall case tally to 443891.

They said that case tally was lowest in the last 24 days as 1148 infections were reported on January 11 last.

Giving district-wise details, they said, Srinagar reported 266 cases, Baramulla 108, Budgam 86, Pulwama 34, Kupwara 55, Anantnag 64, Bandipora 47, Ganderbal 45, Kulgam 96, Shopian 21, Jammu 228, Udhampur 53, Rajouri 12, Doda 135, Kathua 60, Samba 4, Kishtwar 47, Poonch 19, Ramban 26 and Reasi 23.

A number of the cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories associated with GMC Srinagar and GMC Anantnag.

GMC Srinagar cases include male (29) from Bagi mehtab, male (60) from Habbak, female (60) from Habbak, male (35) from Zakura, male (19) from Kanitar, female (40) from Zakura, female (23) from Batpora, male (24) from Kanitar sadribal, female (17) from Habbak shanpora, male (18) from Lalbazar, female (40) from Batpora, female (23) from Malbagh, male (40) from Ishbar nishat, female (50) from Soura, female (20) from Habbak, female (20) from Dargah, male (42) from Habbak, male (58) from Harwan, female (35) from Pulwama, male (10) from Pulwama, female (10) from Pulwama, female (11) from Gusoo, male (11) from Chewakalan, male, (14) from Chewakalan,

male (28) from Gusoo Pulwama, male (16) from Wahibugh Pulwama, , female (38) from Bellow Pulwama, female (35) from Samboora pampore, male (28) from Parigam pampore, female (25) from Pampore, male (60) from Pampore, male (56) from Pampore, Male (31) from Awantipora, female (30) from Pampore, male (35) from Wuyan Pampore, female (36) from Frustbal Pampore, female (30) from Wahibugh Pulwama, female (27) from Chandhara Pampore, male (36) from Wahibugh Pulwama, male (35) from Awantipora, female (35) from Kadlabal Pampore, female (58) from Khanmoh Sgr, female (14) from Tral, female (14) from Nowpora, female (14) from Machama, female (14) from Batagund, male (14) from Aripal, female (15) from Tral, male (13) from Tral, male (16) from Tral, male (16) from Tral, male (16) from Khangund, male (35) from Gulshanpora, female (35) from Tral, male (60) from Shahabad, male (40) from Dadsara, female (50) from Chattabal, female (40) from Sgr, male (05) (NA) from Kupwara, male (06Days) (NA) from Sangam Eidgah, female (21) from Shivpora, male (27) from Hyderpora, male (36) from Nawakadal, male (44) from GDC hostel, female (27) from HMT, female (33) from Batamaloo, female (30) from Chadoora, female (22) from Kunzer, female (25) from Pakherpora, male (37) from Rajbagh, male (21) from Utar pardesh, female (60) from Hawal, female (25) from Kangan, female (32) from Burzuhama Sgr, female (39) from Verinag, female (28) from Safapora and female (28) from Kangan.

The GMC Anantnag cases include female (78) from Moominabad, male (100) from Chowgam Ang, female (55) from Kund Ang, male (60) from Bandarpora Ang, female (85) from SK Colony Ang, two females (58, 35) from Army Camp Khanabal, female (65) from Kulgam, female (19) from Shamsipora, female (34) and male (50) from Wanpoh Ang, female (32) from Nai Basti Ang, female (45) from Chanapora, male (72) from Handew, male (45) from M Dunaroo Keller, male (65) from Tharin Keller, male (60) from Dobipora, male (65) from Kashwa, male (50) from Safanagri, male (24) and female (24) from Wazir Check, male (40) from Sangran, male (24) from Badoora, female (40) from Khundroo, female (32) from Trahpoo, female (34) from Magraypora, female (24) from Thajiwara, female (23) from Punchpora, male (35) from Bijbehara Sirhama, male (50) from Bashpora Kokernag, male (30) from Panzgam Kokernag, male (24) from Vailoo, male (44) from Nagam Kokernag, male (65) from Larnoo Kokernag, male (61) from Khalar Kokernag, male (29) from Watnard Kokernag, male (30) from Adhal Kokernag, male (30) from Peer Takiya Kokernag, male (41) from Bindoo Kokernag, male (50) from Ashmuqam Ang, male (25) from Nagbal Ang, female (7) from Seer Ang, female (27) from Amad Ang, female (29) from Chandrigam Ang, female (35) from Vail Ang, female (40) from Akhran Ang, two males (42, 20) from Krangsoo Ang, male (70) from Mattan Ang, male (51) from Rakhi Chee Ang, male (32) from Mirchak Mattan, male (69) from Gopalpora Mattan, female (36) from Punjab, male (36) from Mumbai, female (NA) from Maharashtra, female (NA) from Nasik, two females (NA, NA) from Karnataka, male (29) from Delhi, male (24) from Lucknow, female (35) from Songlan Shangus, male (56) from Chaklipora Shangus, male (42) from Chittergull Shangus, male (38) from Kharpora Shangus, male (60) from Sonach Shangus, male (24) from Shangus, female (30) from Heeward Verinag, female (30) from Halsidar Verinag, two females (34, 40) from Kapran, male (60) from Gutligund Verinag, male (50) from Boon Larkipora, male (70) from New Colony Bij, male (30) from Vaid Mohalla Bij, male (60) from Trail Nambal, male (20) from Nambal Ang, male (25) from Krangsoo, male (30) from Mirbazar, male (45) from Mattan, male (50) from Wanigund, female (42) from Y K Pora, two males (80, 16) from Sransoo, male (18) from Shamsipora Kulgam, female (50) from Redwani, female (20) from Zadoora Kulgam, female (40) from Khudwani, male (65) from Poniwah, female (34) from Pulwama, male (35) from Bhan Kulgam, male (30) from Matipora Kulgam, female (75) from Tantraypora Kulgam, male (19) from Katrasoo Kulgam, male (35) from Challan Shopian and female (70) from Kokergund Kulgam.

Regarding the fresh fatalities, the officials told GNS that one was reported from Jammu division and two from Kashmir valley. So far 4702 people have died due to the virus—2300 in Jammu and 2402 in Kashmir Valley.

Besides, they said, 4057 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time— 1437 from Jammu Division and 2620 from Kashmir. So far 415109 people have recovered, leaving the active case tally at 24080—6851 in Jammu and 17229 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said. They also informed that 48961 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Says Govt will continue to strengthen critical healthcare network

Jammu:  Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today reviewed the Covid-19 situation in J&K UT in a series of meetings with members of Covid Task Force, DCs and SSsP.

During the meeting, the to-date situation of the Covid-19 was discussed, where ACS Health presented Covid analysis based on various parameters.

The chair also took district-wise assessment of vaccination coverage of 15-18 age group, besides the status of distribution of Sehat Golden health cards across the UT.

The Lt Governor observed that though the number of new positive cases have declined, there is no room for complacency. “We must continue awareness campaigns across the UT with the active support of representatives of PRIs”, he said.

The Lt Governor directed the Health & Immunization Department to focus on booster doses to senior citizens, frontline workers and vaccination among the 15-18 age group, adding that, continued adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour is paramount.

Underlining that J&K is a front runner in SDG’s ‘Good Health and Well-Being’ goal, the Lt Governor directed the Health Department to ensure 100% coverage of Sehat Golden Card.

“Our aim is to provide the best treatment to people from village to city. We will continue to strengthen critical healthcare network”, he added.

While interacting with DCs and SSsP, the Lt Governor complimented their tireless efforts for effective management of the third wave of Covid-19.

Emphasizing on the significance of Covid Appropriate Behaviour, the Lt Governor said that we need to continue following CAB until the pre-Covid normalcy is restored.  He directed the SSsP for proper enforcement of CAB.

The Lt Governor also passed specific directions to the DCs to monitor and ensure proper functioning of all online services in their respective districts providing best and hassle-free public services.

Earlier, Vivek Bhardwaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department gave a detailed briefing on the analysis of Covid-19 situation, active positive cases, testing, contact tracing and vaccination across the UT, CAB enforcements, and percentage achieved in weekly and overall BIS Registrations, progress under AB PM-JAY & AB PM-JAY SEHAT.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dilbag Singh, DGP; Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government, Public Works (R&B) Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners and SSsP, attended the meetings, in person and through virtual mode.