Keeping in view rampant power theft happening in several areas, the vigilance team of Uttarakhand Power Corporation limited (UPCl) conducted raids at 16 places, including Saptrishi and Bopatwala, in Haridwar district of Garhwal region on Tuesday. Six persons were found using illegal power connection in their houses. FIRs were lodged against them in the police stations concerned.
Critics, however, opine that it is a failure of the power department that despite consistent raids and inspected being conducted at the officials of vigilance team power theft is yet to be fully checked. Involvement of power officials at lower level cannot be ruled out, they say, adding that the power officials should ensure zero tolerance against power theft as well as they need to ensure that smooth power supply is provided to the customers in the state.
Taking note of complaints related to power theft, the managing director UPCl BCK Mishra had directed the vigilance unit to launch drive to stop such stealing in both the regions-Garhwal and Kumaon.
Mishra said that they are appealing to the people to inform UPCl on toll free number 1800-180-4185 between 10 am and 5 pm on any working day about any case of power pilferage. The names of the persons who will inform the department about power theft in their localities will be kept secret, he assured. One can submit electricity bill through online after reaching UPCl’s website www.upcl.org. Customers have been appealed to register their complaints or seek information on UPCl’s customer toll free number 1800-419-0405, he added.