JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
With the onset of summer in Jammu, concerns about the power crisis are also growing. Every year, as the heat sets in, transformer burnouts, overloading, tripping, and unannounced power outages for hours in the city and surrounding areas add to the public’s problems. Meanwhile, the Power Development Department claims to have made advance preparations this time. The department has stored approximately 600 power transformers in advance at its central workshop in Narwal so that they can be replaced immediately in case of a breakdown, preventing people from experiencing prolonged darkness.
The department says that the increased use of air conditioners, coolers, and other electrical appliances during the summer puts a sudden strain on the power system. Transformers often burn out, disrupting power supply for hours or even days. To address this problem, backups have been prepared in advance.
According to officials, as soon as a transformer failure is reported from any area, a new or repaired transformer will be immediately dispatched from the Narwal workshop. Repairs to burnt-out transformers will also continue to ensure a stock shortage.
However, residents say the problem isn’t limited to burning transformers. Daily unannounced power cuts and frequent tripping are disrupting people’s daily routines in many areas of Jammu. They say even a two- to three-hour power outage in the scorching heat is disturbing. In many areas, illegal loading and power theft are also taking a toll on the system.
Swarn Singh, a resident of Gangyal, says the department shouldn’t limit itself to preparing for transformer replacements, but must also address the daily tripping and power outages. Meanwhile, Karna Chib, a resident of Preet Nagar, says that tall claims are made every year before summer, but the real test will come in the scorching heat of June, when temperatures can reach 45 degrees.
Ram Murti Sharma, a resident of Nanak Nagar, said that in previous years, transformer replacements often took 24 to 48 hours. However, if the department’s advance stock is used quickly this time, people could experience significant relief.
Senior Electricity Corporation officials say their primary goal this time is to minimize downtime. Department teams will be on alert 24 hours a day, and efforts will be made to restore power as quickly as possible in the event of any outage. People have also been urged to use electrical equipment only within the approved load limit to reduce overloading.
The question now is whether the people of Jammu will truly experience relief this summer, or will there be a significant discrepancy between promises and reality, as is the case every year.
