Omar releases Rs.200 crore to fight power crisis

Srinagar, July 25 (IANS) Alarmed by recent public protests over non-availability of power during the holy month of Ramadan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday released an additional Rs.200 crore to purchase more electricity.

The chief minister announced various measures to overcome the power crisis arising out of delayed rains, drought-like conditions and less availability of power in the national grid.

Abdullah also laid emphasis on an accelerated pace of power reforms for a long term impact.

There have been protest in the Valley over poor power conditions during the holy month of Ramadan which began July 21.

At a meeting held here to review the power scenario, Abdullah directed the finance department to release an additional amount of Rs.200 crore to procure extra power to reduce the gap in demand and supply.

He also sanctioned Rs.12 crore to enable the local power development department to carry out speedy repair of damaged transformers and system improvement.

The chief minister directed the officials to set up round-the-clock control rooms in Srinagar and Jammu, to be managed by executive engineers, to hear the grievances of the people.