Snow, rain knock out power across J&K; 48% areas of Jammu region in dark for 20 hrs

More than 48 per cent towns and villages across the Jammu region have been plunged into darkness for about 20 hours because of damage to the power supply system due to incessant rain and heavy snowfall.

The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) in a statement said that electric supply has been restored in 52 per cent affected areas.

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“The power demand of JPDCL witnessed an unprecedented decline and dropped to the lowest level of 140 MW at around 4AM, as against the normal average running load of approximately 1070 MW”, the JPDCL said.

“Owing to sustained restoration efforts by JPDCL, the running load has since been progressively enhanced to 564 MW, thereby restoring nearly 52 per cent of the overall power supply as on time”.

In District Jammu, the power system has been primarily affected due to heavy rainfall, windstorms, and felling of trees on power lines. Restoration works in the district are in full swing, with field teams deployed to address faults and damages on priority, according to the statement.

“The restoration of the power supply is presently constrained primarily due to inaccessibility of snow-bound and rain-affected areas, particularly in the hilly and remote regions”. The major affected areas include: Poonch, Rajouri,
Kathua, Doda, Reasi, Ramban, Kishtwar and Samba districts.

At the sub-transmission level, 92 out of 181 of 66/33 kV lines were restored as of 12 noon, reflecting nearly 50 per cent restoration at this level. Similarly, at the distribution level, 568 out of 1373 of 11 kV feeders have been restored, and restoration works on the remaining accessible feeders are being undertaken on priority.

Adequate men and machinery have been mobilised and pressed into service to assess major damages caused and ensure early and systematic restoration of power supply across all affected regions, the JPDCL added.

Severe snowfall, high-speed winds, and relentless rain also pushed Kashmir’s power network to its limits, causing an unprecedented drop in demand to 93 MW against a normal 1650 MW. Large-scale damage followed, with 33 kV and 11 kV feeders tripping across the Valley due to gusty winds, falling roofs, and heavy snow accumulation, stated the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (KPDCL).