Huge Amounts Owed by Power Defaulters; J&K Government Targets Water Body Encroachments
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Synopsis
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly reports significant debts owed by electric power defaulters, prompting government action to remove encroachments along water bodies. An amnesty scheme has been initiated for consumers with unpaid bills, allowing installments and relief from penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Power defaulters owe crores to the government.
- Encroachments along water bodies are being removed.
- Amnesty scheme allows installment payments.
- Numerous government and industrial entities are defaulters.
- Weir at Chattabal crucial for water management.
Jammu, March 13 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was informed on Thursday that electric power defaulters owe crores of Rupees to the government, with active measures being taken to eliminate encroachments along water bodies.
In response to a query from MLA Sheikh Khursheed, the government disclosed that electric power defaulters owe a staggering amount to the Power Development Department (PDD), creating a significant burden on the department.
The Assembly learned that even governmental entities, industrial establishments, semi-government bodies, and private organizations are collectively indebted to the PDD by hundreds of crores for electricity fees.
Among the notable defaulters, Chief Engineer of the Salal Hydroelectric power project of NHPC tops the list with a debt of Rs 56.96 crore, followed by Executive Engineer PHE Sopore with Rs 45.84 crore, and Chief Mining Engineer J&K Minerals Ltd., who owes Rs 42.43 crore.
Other significant defaulters include Rajpora Lift Irrigation AWP Stage 1 & 2 at Rs 39.83 crore, Ex-Engineer PHE Mechanical Division Sopore with Rs 26.87 crore, and Water Supply Scheme Tangnar at Rs 24.10 crore. Further amounts are owed by Manager Jammu & Kashmir Cements Ltd. (Rs 22.49 crore) and Lift Irrigation Lethpora Stage 1st (Rs 21.97 crore).
The assembly was informed that 275,081 consumers have availed of the ongoing amnesty program, which includes 160,507 from the Jammu division and 114,574 from Kashmir.
The government has implemented an amnesty scheme allowing consumers with overdue payments to settle their dues in installments, thereby receiving relief from interest and penalties.
In response to another inquiry from NC MLA Mubarak Gul, it was noted that the removal of encroachments along water bodies, particularly the Jhelum River, is being prioritized.
The assembly was informed that directives have been issued to all field officers to maintain vigilant oversight and take prompt actions in the event of any reported encroachments.
The assembly also disclosed that a total of 412 Kachha/Pacca structures, 301 boundary walls, and 335,704 trees were removed from the banks of the Jhelum River. These trees were intentionally planted to encroach upon the river land.
The Weir at Chattabal is crucial for controlling the water level in the Jhelum, and it is fully operational, ensuring navigable water depth for boats in the winter season.
The Jhelum bund beautification project was executed by the I&FC Department, funded under the Smart City Project in collaboration with H&UDD. A Rs 68.02 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) was approved by the CEO of Smart City for the beautification of the Jhelum bunds.
