‘₹690.50 cr released for power infra in city’
UPGRADE Aim is to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the state capital, says energy minister Shrikant Sharma
LUCKNOW: Minister for energy Shrikant Sharma on Tuesday said that the state government had released a budget of ₹690.50 crore to strengthen power supply infrastructure in Lucknow.
“The aim is to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the state capital this summer. The upgrade of existing infrastructure is essential, which was ignored by the earlier government,” he said while inaugurating the work of bolstering power infrastructure in Faizullaganj.
This area is known for power supply through wires hoisted on bamboo poles. Such poles can fall in case of heavy rain and winds.
“Replacement of bamboo poles with cement and iron poles would ensure risk-free power supply in the area and residents would get better supply during summers and monsoon,” said the minister.
The minister said the state government needed cooperation from citizens too for ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
“It has been observed that some consumers don’t pay their dues while some steal power, which causes a loss to the department. Today, the power corporation
is running in losses. For better supply, consumers will have to support the corporation. For that, UPPCL has planned smart digital (prepaid) meters and this would end the problem of power theft,” he said. MLA of the area Neeraj Bora said, “Faizullahganj requires safe power supply. The connections, which are given to residents on wooden poles, would
be replaced with safer poles.”
Sanjay Goel, MD, Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd (MVVNL) revealed future plans about fixing digital meters in all households of Lucknow for 100% recovery of dues from consumers. He said all the other work like laying of underground cables for power supply would be completed soon.