Leh, 29 July: Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur today discussed the ongoing and future projects of the Power Development Department (PDD) with Secretary Power, Ravinder Dangi, Chief Engineer, Distribution, Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Superintending Engineer, PDD Tsewang Paljor.
Through a presentation, Secretary Power informed the chair of upcoming projects such as installation of new transformers in Leh city to address the issue of low voltage, introduction of smart metering system, maintenance and replacement of DG sets, etc. It was noted that smart metering systems will help strengthen the mechanism of revenue collection and therefore directed the department to pace up implementation of the project.
LG Mathur observed that many new areas have been electrified and power consumption in the last one year has grown by more than 10 percent.
Discussing the project of undergrounding distribution lines in Leh and Kargil towns, LG Mathur stressed on its importance and directed the department to include the project under the Smart City projects to be implemented in both Leh and Kargil cities.
LG Mathur stated that the power scenario of Ladakh has changed for the better in a short span of time and with Solar, Hydrogen and Geothermal projects in the pipeline, the sector has great potential for changing the face of Ladakh.
The meeting also discussed developments in projects being undertaken with various power companies, including the 5MW solar power plant project at Zanskar, the DPR of which is in progress.
Further, discussing the power project to be undertaken in Changthang region by PDD, LG Mathur stressed that all works must be done in consultation with the Wildlife Department and that conservation of the wildlife, including the avifauna is pivotal in all developmental works.
LG Mathur also reiterated the need for time bound removal of all DG sets to achieve carbon neutrality in Ladakh.
