A day after blackout for 12 hours in Ranchi due to broken conductor, the focus has once again shifted to dangerously intertwined overhead wires hanging from electric poles in different localities and the JSEB’s (Jharkhand State Electricity Board) strategy to minimise the probability of a blackout before the onset of monsoon.
Interestingly, in the absence of any concrete short term strategy the board has become overly reliant on its call centre for addressing impending problems. The call centre of JSEB is flooded with calls of broken wires which could not withstand a gusty wind and torrential rains.
As per the assessment conducted under Restructured Accelerated Power Development & Reforms Programme (R-APDRP), around 1000 kms of conductors, electric wires hanging from poles to poles, in different localities of Ranchi need to be replaced by good quality conductors. The project is expected to cost around Rs 500 crore and will take around one and a half year to achieve full replacement.
“Our assessment has shown that conductors in many areas need to be changed,” said General Manager R-APDRP, MC Karan adding, “We have prepared the Detailed Project Report and sent it to the Government of India for approval.”
Significantly, the board has issued instructions to change poles which are on the verge of collapsing so as to reduce interruption in power supply however officials are tight-lipped about the timeframe to accomplish the task. “All such electric poles will be replaced and orders for the same has been issued by the board,” said PRO JSEB, PK Shrivastava
The infrastructure that will be created under the R-APDRP will be maintained by Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC). The corporation will maintain distribution infrastructure in Ranchi for 15 years and in return will get 20 percent of the savings made on transmission & distribution loses.
“Under the agreement, they will maintain the infrastructure and will get commission in return,” added Shrivastava.